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The Gambling Act 2005 - activities that need a licence or permit

The Gambling Act 2005 transferred responsibility for the licensing of gambling premises from licensing justices to local authorities such as Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The Council is also responsible for different permits related to gambling, as well as temporary and occasional use notices.

The Council’s Licensing Team issue premises licences for the following activities:

  • Bingo.
  • Betting.
  • Adult gaming centres.
  • Family entertainment centres.
  • Casinos.
  • Sporting tracks, including horse racing and dog tracks.

We also issue permits for:

  • Gaming machines in alcohol licensed premises, such as pubs.
  • Gaming machines for members clubs.
  • Other gaming activities in members clubs.
  • Category D machines in unlicensed family entertainment centre (Category D machines are those that can be used by children and have the lowest level of stakes and prizes).
  • Prize gaming.

And we register and issue:

How to apply for a licence or permit

First you need to identify what kind of licence or permit you need from the options listed below. Application forms can be printed off or downloaded by following the links.

Premises licence

This is for premises wishing to provide facilities for a casino, adult gaming centre, family entertainment centre, bingo hall, betting office or racetrack.

To apply for a premises licence you must have the right to occupy the premises for which the application is being made. You may also need an operating licence and/or a personal licence (issued by the Gambling Commission) or an application for these in progress.

Unlicensed family entertainment centre permit

This is for premises wishing to provide Category D gaming machines only.

Licensed premises gaming machine permit

This is for premises licensed to supply alcohol that wish to have more than two Category C or D gaming machines.

Please note: there is an automatic entitlement to have two or less Category C or D gaming machines for use in a premises licensed to supply alcohol, but you must complete a simple notification procedure.

Club gaming permits

This is for members clubs and allows the provision of no more than three gaming machines. These may be from Categories B4, C or D. The club is permitted to choose the combination of machines on its premises.

Further information and advice

For more information and advice please contact:

Licensing Team,
Suffolk Coastal District Council,
Melton Hill,
Woodbridge,
Suffolk IP12 1AU.

Telephone: 01394 444802.
Fax: 01394 444510.
Email: licensing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.