Apply for a gambling permit

You'll need a permit if you want to allow low level gaming for small participation fees and modest prizes.

A prize gaming permit costs £300.

Prize gaming is where the organiser puts up the prizes in advance. This is different from gaming where the stakes of the participants make up the winnings.

The nature and size of the prize available in prize gaming is not determined by either the:

• number of people playing
• amount paid for or raised by the gaming

An example of prize gaming is bingo, played at seaside amusement arcades.

You can apply for a permit if you're:

• the occupier, or proposed occupier, of the premises - and have a premises licence
• 18 years or older
• able to demonstrate that there are policies and procedures in place to protect children from harm - see our gambling policy

To apply for a permit you'll need to:

• pay the fee of £300
• complete the application form

Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected].

Once we've completed our checks, we'll make a decision about your application. We'll only grant a permit after consultation with the police.

Before we grant or refuse an application, we'll take 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. also known as a 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 permit to be renewed 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.

You can request changes to your permit, such as:

• change name on permit - £25
• requesting a copy of a permit - £15

For further information, contact [email protected].

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