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Gambling and lottery licences

If you own or run a gambling business you may need a licence and need to follow a code of practice.

4 types of licence 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)

We provide gambling permits for pubs, clubs and other establishments for low-level gambling.

Gambling Act 2005 

In accordance with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 we have produced a Policy, or Statement of Principles.

On 23 September 2021, in pursuance of section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 and in accordance with The Gambling Act 2005 (Licensing Authority Policy Statement) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006, South Cambridgeshire District Council (the Council) approved a revised version of its Licensing Policy/Statement of Principles, proposed to be applied by the Council in the exercise of its licensing functions under the Act.

The statement explains how the Council 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 and adult gaming centres (amusement arcades); gaming machines in alcohol-licensed premises; and registration of small society lotteries.

The revised Statement took effect on 31 January 2022.

View a copy of the statement of licensing principles [PDF, 0.3MB]

Gaming Machines

What is the licence for?

Premises where machines constructed or adapted for playing a game of chance by means of inserting money or tokens require a licence.

How long does the licence last?

The licence is renewable annually.

What is the charge for this licence?

Gaming machine permit on premises with liquor licence - £50

Club machine permit - initial grant £200, annual fee £50

Club gaming permit - initial grant £200, annual fee £50

How to apply

Please discuss your requirements with a member of the licensing team, the regulations concerning the licensing of gaming machines is complex and each individual circumstance will have to be considered.

Please note there is a new Act pending for game machine licences.

Lottery Licence

What is the licence for?

Before holding a lottery where members of the public can purchase a chance, a society should first be registered under the Gambling Act 2005 with the Local Authority in which the office or Head office of the Society is situated.

How long does the licence last?

The licence is valid for one year and an annual renewal fee is charged.

What is the charge for this licence?

There is a fee for a small lottery licence. 

  • Grant - £40
  • Renewal - £20

Pay your small society lottery licence annual fee

Do I need to submit a return?

A return is required for every lottery which is held under these regulations. Please consult the Lottery guidance [PDF, 0.1MB] for more information. The Lottery return form must be submitted within 3 months of the event.

Submit your small society lottery returns

How to apply

After reading the Lottery guidance [PDF, 0.1MB] notes carefully, you must fill out our online Lottery application form. A £40 registration fee is paid online via a debit or credit card, once the eform has been submitted. 

Apply for registration of a non-commercial society

Related Information

Contact Details