COVID-19 rates in Stockton-on-Tees are very high so the Government has named it, along with the rest of the North East, an Enhanced Response Area. Find out more on our Enhanced Response Area page.
For general Coronavirus information including disruptions to Council services or how to book a COVID-19 test visit www.stockton.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Gambling Act 2005 Licences
Licence Summary
The Gambling Act 2005 consolidates and repeals the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1863, The Gaming Act 1968 and the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.
The Act introduced a new regulator – the Gambling Commission, which regulates gambling in the public interest. The Commission is responsible for issuing Operator Licences and Personal Licences.
Under the Act, Stockton Council is responsible for issuing a range of licenses, permits and notices detailed in the Application Process section below.
Regulation Summary
Copies of the Gambling Act 2005 and details of the various sets of Gambling Act Regulations can be found on the legislation.gov.uk website.
Application Process
See our Licensing Fees and Charges webpage for a full list of application fees.
Stockton Council is responsible for issuing the following licences, permits and notices:
The type of establishments requiring Premises Licences from the Council are:
- Bingo Halls
- Casinos
- Betting Offices
- Adult Gaming Centres
- Family Entertainment Centres
In addition to issuing Premises Licences, the Council also issues permits. These are required when premises provide a gambling facility where, both the stakes and prizes are very low or gambling is not the main function of the premises. Examples of such permits are:
- Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permits
- Club Gaming Permits
- Club Machine Permits
- Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit
- Prize Gaming Permits
The final area of responsibility for the Council relates to the provision of:
- Occasional Use Notices (betting on a ‘track’ on 8 days or less in a calendar year)
- Temporary Use Notices (where there is no Premises Licence, but where a gambling operator wishes to use the premises temporarily for providing gambling facilities)
The Gambling Act 2005 contains three licensing objectives:
- To prevent gambling from being a source of crime and disorder.
- To ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
- To protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Further details of how the Council will fulfil it's licensing duties are contained in the Council's Statement of Licensing Principles.
Applicants may have a duty to notify the various responsible authorities of their application, please download details of the responsible authorities in Stockton. Licenses are usually subject to a 28 day statutory consultation period, after which they can be granted if there are no objections.
How To Apply
To apply for a Licence or Permit please complete the appropriate form(s) below.
Application For A Premise Licence
Application For A Premise Licence For A Vessel
Application For A Provisional Statement
Application For A Provisional Statement For A Vessel
Application To Vary A Premise Licence
Application To Transfer A Premise Licence
Application For Grant Of A Prize Gaming Permit
Application For A Gaming Permit Or Notification Of 2 Or Less Machines
Application For A Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre
Application For A Club Gaming Permit Or Club Machine Permit
Application For A Review Of A Premises Licence
Small Society Lottery Change of Details
Application For Registration of Non Commercial Society Lottery
Guidance Notes
To view guidance documents please select the appropriate link below:
Contact Details For Responsible Authorities
Gambling Policy Statement 2019
Guidance Publications From The Gambling Commission (link to external site)
Lotteries & The Law - Advice For Societies
Guidance On Completing A Small Lottery Return
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Tacit consent means that if we have not dealt with applications within the target period then the application can be deemed to have been granted/approved.
Please note that tacit consent does not apply in respect of these applications. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact us.
Licence Holder Redress
Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates Court. Please contact us in the first instance.
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates Court.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you, preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, visit our Consumer pages or Gov.uk for advice.
Can't find what you're looking for? Let us know and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction