Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles
The Gambling Act 2005 requires that we must prepare and publish a statement of licensing policy every 3 years. The published policy then provides the framework for all licensing decisions on applications relating to the Gambling Act 2005 and the way we carry out our functions in relation to the legislation. The policy is also intended to provide advice and guidance to anyone that may be involved in the licensing application process from applicants and licence holders to responsible authorities and members of he public who wish to make a representation about an application.
Gambling Act Statement of Principles. This document commenced on 31 January 2022 and will expire on 30 January 2025.
Gambling Act 2005 Local Area Profile
The Gambling Commission issued code of practice under section 24 of the Gambling Act 2005, about the manner in which facilities for gambling are provided to ensure that:
- gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- children and other vulnerable persons are protected from being harmed or exploited by gambling
- assistance is made available to persons who are or may be affected by problems related to gambling
Operators are required to prepare a risk assessment for their business which takes into account the nature and characteristics of the locality in which they are situated. For example the proximity of schools, churches and/or whether the business is located on a walking route for local schools. Such risk assessments can make reference to the Council’s Local Area Profile which may be compiled with respect to reported gambling-related problems in an area.
The local area profile has been created with a view to increasing awareness of local risks, improving information sharing and to facilitate constructive engagement with licensees and a more coordinated response to local risks. The local area profile will also help to inform specific risks that operators need to address in their own risk assessments, which will form part of any new licence application, or, application to vary a licence. Each locality has its own challenges and in order to assist applicants, the locality profile maps contain the location of existing gambling premises, educational establishments, health services, deprivation and crime rates. Applicants are further encouraged to conduct research of the local are to identify centres dealing with vulnerable persons.
The local area profile does not form part of the licensing authority’s ‘Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 but is referred to in it. The local area profile will be regularly reviewed and refreshed in consultation with the responsible authorities identified in the Gambling Act 2005 and other relevant organisations.