Gambling and lottery licences
If you own or run a gambling business you will need a licence and to follow a code of practice. We provide gambling permits for pubs, clubs and other establishments for low-level gambling.
These are the 4 licences which may be needed by business owners:
- an operating licence (from The Gambling Commission)
- personal management licence (from The Gambling Commission)
- personal function licence (from The Gambling Commission)
- a premises licence (from us)
Our statement of Licensing Principles [PDF, 0.3MB] and Gambling Policy Guidance Notes [PDF, 0.2MB] explains how we assess applications for a licence. Our current statement will expire in January 2025. Statements have to be reviewed and republished at least every 3 years. For our current statement there are no changes currently due to be made.
On 3 October 2024, in line with section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 and The Gambling Act 2005 (Licensing Authority Policy Statement) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006, we have approved a revised version of Licensing Policy/Statement of Principles.
The revised Statement has been published on 7 October 2024, and will take effect from 31 January 2025.
The statement explains how we will determine applications for licences required under the Gambling Act 2005 – these include permits and premises licences for:
- betting premises and tracks
- family entertainment centres
- adult gaming centres (amusement arcades)
- gaming machines in alcohol-licensed premises
- registration of small society lotteries
Read the revised statement here [PDF, 0.4MB].
Small society lottery licence
The licence is valid for 1 year and a yearly renewal fee is charged.
There is a fee for a small lottery licence.
- first application for a licence is £40
- yearly fee to renew is £20
Please read the lottery guidance [PDF, 0.1MB] for more information.
Submit a return
A return is required for every lottery. The lottery return form must be submitted within 3 months of the event.
Submit your small society lottery returns
Gaming machines
A licence is needed by places (premises) where gaming machines are used by the public by using their own money or tokens to play the game of chance.
The licence needs to be renewed every year.
Fees
- Gaming machine permit on premises that have a liquor licence: £50
- Club machine permit: first application for licence is £200, yearly fee is £50
- Club gaming permit: first application for licence is £200, yearly fee is £50
Apply
Licensing of gaming machines is complex, so it’s best to discuss your licencing needs with us by emailing us on licensing@scambs.gov.uk. Make sure to leave your name, contact number, and a list of times when you’d be available to talk. There is a new law in process for game machine licences.