The Gambling Act 2005 provides a number of exemptions for certain betting and gaming activities which do not need a licence or permit.
Private Gaming
Gaming is private gaming when:
It is equal chance gaming
No charge is made for participation, and
The gaming is conducted in private, in a place to which the public do not have access
Private Betting
The Act provides for two types of private betting:
Domestic betting, in a person’s own home
Workers betting, between persons who all work for the same employer – this included workers sweepstakes
Non-Commercial Gaming
Generally, gaming where the proceeds of the event are not used for private gain (for example for a charity or other good cause) will not require a licence.
Non-commercial gaming is subject to the following conditions:
All players must be informed that the purpose of the gaming is to raise money for a purpose other than private gain
Profits from the gaming must be applied for a purpose other than private gain
The event must not take place on a premises which has a Premises Licence or is being used under a Temporary Use Notice, and
The gaming must not be remote gaming
Non-Commercial Betting
The Act allows alcohol licensed premises (pubs and clubs) to provide certain forms of low level gaming without the requirement for a licence or permit.
Only premises which have a bar at which alcohol is served for consumption on the premises without a requirement for it to be served only with food will be eligible for this exemption. This will exclude places like restaurants and off licences.
Bingo in Pubs and Clubs
Pubs and clubs are permitted to conduct low turnover bingo without the need for a prize gaming permit. To qualify a slow turnover bingo, the total value of the stakes or prizes must not exceed £2,000 in any seven day period.
Above this limit, bingo becomes high turnover bingo and requires an operating licence and from the Gambling Commission plus a premises licence form the licensing authority.
Gaming in Pubs and Clubs
Gaming facilities may be provided in pubs and clubs subject to the following conditions:
Facilities must be for equal chance gaming only
Stakes and prizes must not exceed any limits set by regulations
No amount may be deducted from amounts staked or won
No fees may be charged to participate
Gaming must not take place on more than one set of premises
Children under 18 must not participate
