Round up of Gambling issues for Licensing Authorities

In its latest LA Bulletin, the commission has updated licensing authorities on a number of gambling related matters:

Licensing & Planning

The London Borough of Newham (LBN) received an application to vary a bingo premises licence to expand a trading area by 50%, involving incorporation of a neighbouring vacant retail unit. However, officers reviewing the application pointed out that Section 187 of the Gambling Act 2005 prohibits varying a licence to encompass premises not previously covered by it.

Consequently, the application was rejected, and the applicant was advised to submit a new premises licence application and surrender the old one if granted.

The LBN highlighted this situation for scrutiny due to potential broader implications. Despite local issues with street drinking and anti-social behaviour, which are not directly linked to the premises, LBN expressed concerns about the expansion’s impact and sought more detailed information on safeguards like self-exclusion.

Additionally, it was noted that planning permission would have been required for the extension, and a prior planning application for this expansion had been refused and the appeal dismissed.

Gambling Commission Intelligence Reports

A substantial amount of information received into the Commission’s Intelligence Unit comes from members of the public, with the majority received through our confidential reporting portal or via email.

It is sometimes the case that the information would appear to be a local authority issue and is therefore passed onto yourselves as co-regulators and the relevant enforcing authority.

The Commission said:

The information that we may pass on is confidential and should be handled in accordance with the handling codes contained within each report.

If you receive one of our referrals, please feel free to ask questions or seek further advice if required, our lead for shared regulation is always copied into any referrals that we send and is on hand to offer assistance wherever possible.

We are always grateful to receive the outcome of any investigation that you may take as this forms part of our intelligence gathering.

Poker and Bingo in pubs and clubs

The Commission has received a recent increase in the number of queries regarding several national organisations who organise and/or co-ordinate bingo and poker events for pubs and clubs.

The queries relate to potential breaches of the regulations – such as prize limits, stakes and underage participation.

In response, the Commission advised:

In the first instance please refer to our pubs and clubs toolkit and guidance to licensing authorities – Part 26: Premises licensed to sell alcohol. However, please report potential breaches to us via the links above if you require further information or assistance.