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John Gaunt & Partners authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - SRA No. 173393.
Solicitors of England & Wales
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Gambling
In 2007 the law governing all forms of gambling underwent wholesale reform. At that time we were instructed by a number of operators to manage the process for them, including drafting the necessary applications and accompanying policy documents to deal with the issues surrounding Reform and satisfy the ever developing requirements of, not only the Gambling Commission, but also of Local Authorities with their greater involvement in this area of the law. Without exception the applications we produced and lodged were granted, in a timely fashion thus securing the businesses of our clients, and enabling them to concentrate on what they do best - running them.
As a firm we are well experienced in giving advice in relation to the relevant legislation surrounding this rapidly developing area of the law and currently work with a number of betting shop operators, online operators and those involved at the forefront of developing markets such as poker leagues etc, to ensure compliance with this increasingly regulated area.
Tim Shield the partner who heads up this particular team was involved in obtaining the first new betting shop licence in Sheffield for in excess of 10 years, following a heavily contested hearing.
Those already operating in the industry will know that there are a number of different issues to address before you can begin to operate within the gambling industry. These can broadly be summarised as follows:
The Operating Licence
Obtained from the Gambling Commission and required to offer most gambling activities and once granted authorises the organisation rather than a particular premises. The process for applying is involved and includes extensive enquiries into the suitability of each applicant. This Licence is subject to an annual fee.
Personal Licence
As the name suggests licences individuals and is required by any those involved in certain types of Gambling related activities. There are exceptions to this requirement for those that are "small operators" which is specifically defined in the legislation but if not exempt, then depending on the activity, one of two types of personal licence (functional licence or management licence) will be required. We can and have advised clients on the specifics of how to take advantage of the exemptions and, if not available, the appropriate application to make.
Premises Licence
As the name suggests a licence for a particular premises. Each premises from where gambling activities are to be carried out requires a premises licence. In this instance the application is to the relevant Licensing Authority (Local Authority) rather than as with the previous two licences which are made to the Gambling Commission. With the exception of very limited exemptions, these can only be applied for once the necessary operating licence (and personal licence(s) have at the very least been applied for, if not yet granted.
Exemptions
There are of course certain activities that are exempt from these requirements such as limited raffles and lotteries.
Gaming Machines
In addition to these areas - gaming machines are specifically regulated by this legislation.
Training
Training in the area of Gambling Law, whilst not a new concept, is becoming increasingly important, not least because of the increase in regulatory visits and activities undertaken not only by local authorities but also The Gambling Commission. We have trained Local Authority licensing Officers in this area - we can train you!
To view our training page, please click here.
Also please feel free to subscribe to our newsletter which is dispatched either by post or email on a quarterly basis, and gives up to date information on developments in the law and related issues. (Click to subscribe to newsletter)
To view our Gambling Newsletter, please click here.