The Gambling Act 2005 covers providing facilities and using a premises for gambling.
This Act has three licensing objectives, which are:
- preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
- ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling
We are the Licensing Authority under the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005 and are responsible for the administration and enforcement of Premises Licences, Permits, Registrations and Notices under the Act.
We issue premises licences for:
- bingo
- betting
- adult gaming centres
- family entertainment centres
- casinos
- horse racing
- dog tracks
We also issue permits for:
- prize gaming
- gaming machines in alcohol licensed premises
- members clubs
- unlicensed family entertainment centres
We are also responsible for the registration of small society lotteries and process occasional and temporary use notices and provisional statements.
Statement of Principles
Under the Gambling Act 2005, we must prepare a written Statement of Principles (pdf 430kb), and have regard to the guidance issued by the Gambling Commission.
This Statement of Principles sets out how we will carry out its licensing functions with a view to promoting the three licensing objectives.
Applications
For premises applications, contact ehlicensing@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01785 619745.
The Gambling Commission is responsible for issuing the following:
- operating licences
- personal licences
An operating licence will be required by anyone wishing to provide facilities for gambling, and are issued for an unlimited period. The Gambling Commission has the power to review, amend or revoke a licence if it has a reason to do so.
Personal licences fall into two categories: management and functional.
A personal management licence is issued to those with a particular, legally-defined role, such as a director or a partner of a company.
A personal functional licence is issued to an individual who has the ability to influence the outcome of gambling, for example, a bingo caller or a croupier.
For more information on these types of licence, please see Gambling Commission's page on Operating Licences.
- Alcohol Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit (Word)
- Club Gaming Permit and Club Machine Permit (Word)
- Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permit (Word)
- Small Society Lotteries
Advice and information
The Gambling Commission provides advice about:
- fundraising with bingo/race nights
- organising small lotteries
- poker
- private gaming and gambling
- prize competitions and free draws
If you think you or others around you require help or support with gambling issues, please see the links under Related Links for information and advice.