Apply for a gambling permit

You'll need a club machine permit if you wish to provide gaming machines without the full range of facilities permitted by a club gaming permit, and are a:

• members’ club
• miners’ welfare institute
• commercial club

Club machine permits allow members' clubs and miners' welfare institutes to provide up to 3 gaming machines (category B3A, B4, C or D).

They also allow commercial clubs to provide up to 3 gaming machines (category B4, C or D).

Commercial clubs cannot offer category B3A machines under this permit.

A club machine permit may not be issued in respect of a vessel or vehicle.

To apply for a permit you'll need to:

1. download and complete the application form
2. pay the correct fee of £200 online
3. email your completed application to [email protected].
4. within a period of 7 days, send a copy of the application to the Gambling Commission and the Police

Holders of Club Premises Certificates can apply under a fast-track procedure.

Through this procedure, you will only need to:

1. download and complete the application form
2. pay the correct fee of £100 online
3. email your completed application to [email protected].

Under this procedure, you will not need to notify the responsible authorities.

We may grant or refuse an application for a permit having taken into account relevant guidance issued by the Gambling Commission.

If your permit is granted, we'll issue it as soon as possible. We may not attach conditions to a permit.

Your permit must be kept on the premises so it can be produced for inspection by a police, enforcement or council officer.

If we intend to refuse an application, we'll speak to you first before formally refusing the application.

You can then make a formal challenge, or representation, before a final decision is made.

If we still refuse your application, you can appeal the decision.

Your permit is valid for 10 years, unless it's:

• surrendered
• lapses (if the holder no longer occupies the premises)
• renewed

Where a permit lapses due to death of the holder, bankruptcy or liquidation, the permit may remain in effect for a further 6 months.

The courts may order that a permit be forfeited if the holder is convicted of a relevant offence.

You can apply for the renewal within 6 months of the expiry date, but no later than 2 months before the expiry date.

The renewal procedure is the same as making a new application and the same fees apply.

If you've applied for a permit, or a permit renewal, and have been refused, you can appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days.

While you're waiting to hear about your permit renewal, your existing permit will still be valid until you receive a response.

If your application is refused, your existing permit will be valid until the appeal has been determined.

Changes can be made to:

• change of name (£25)
• requesting a copy of a permit (£15)

Application fees apply.

For more information, contact gambling licensing.

If you need help making an application, contact [email protected].