Licensing

Email: licensing@thanet.gov.uk

Phone:  01843 577432

Thanet District Council Gambling Policy

The new Gambling policy (pdf, 183kb) was published by Thanet District Council on the 2nd January 2007. Effective from 31st January 2007, it sets out how the Council will meet the ‘licensing objectives’ set out in the new Gambling Act.

Gambling legislation was revised in the Gambling Act 2005, which came into force on the 1 September 2007.  The Act has three key objectives in relation to gambling:

• to ensure it is fair,
• crime free, and
• children and vulnerable people are protected.

A new regulator, the Gambling Commission, replace the old Gaming Board and have new powers to investigate, prosecute, fine, and remove the licences of operators who fail to comply with the law.

Local Authorities have been given new and extended responsibilities for licensing premises for gambling. betting, casino gaming and bingo, where previously responsibility lay with the Magistrates’ Court, is transferred to local authorities.

The Thanet District Council policy was drawn up within the legal constraints of the Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission. The Council, as required under the Act, will be reviewing the policy in three years time. We hope that those in the licensed trade, and other interested parties, will find the policy an essential document.

The Gambling Policy may also be inspected during normal office hours at the Council Offices, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent.