Gaming machine licences

Who can apply for a gaming machine permit

The council can grant permits for gaming or gaming machines in members clubs and for gaming machines in pubs and some other alcohol licensed premises. Alcohol licensed premises only wishing to have two or less machines may also benefit from an automatic entitlement which is subject only to notification. There is also a class of permit for prize gaming and for premises that wish to operate as an unlicensed family entertainment centre.

Who can't apply

This legislation has removed the right for premises such as taxi offices, off licences or takeaways to have gaming machines, premises that have no permission for gaming machines may be subject to prosecution.

Gaming machine permit

Premises which hold a licence under the Licensing Act 2003, for consumption of alcohol on the premises, qualify. There is an automatic entitlement to two machines of category C or D. An application form needs to be submitted with the prescribed fee of £50.

Applications can be made for more than 2 category C or D machines to be made available. An application form needs to be submitted with the prescribed fee of £150. The limit of additional machines will be determined by the Licensing Unit in each individual case.

There is an annual fee of £50 if you wish to apply for more than two machines, but not for two or less machines.

Club Gaming Permit

Club gaming permits may be granted to members' clubs and miners' welfare institutes, but not commercial clubs), to authorise the use of up to a total of 3 category B3A, B4, C or D gaming machines, as well as equal chance gaming and games of chance as prescribed in the regulations. Applicants must have an operators licence issued by the Gambling Commission This link will take you to an external website... . An application form needs to be submitted with the prescribed fee and will have effect for 10 years. There is an annual fee of £50.

Club Machine Permit:

For a commercial club not permitted to provide non-machine gaming, they may apply for a club machine permit. This authorises the use of up to a total of 3 category B4, C or D gaming machines. An application form needs to be submitted with the prescribed fee and will have effect for 10 years. There is an annual fee of £50.

Holders of club gaming permits or club machine permits should have regard to the Code of Practice issued by the Gambling Commision.

You can apply for a gaming machine licence using the application forms on the right of the page. Please send the completed form to the Licensing Unit - see the contact details on the right.