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Gambling and Lotteries (Gambling Act 2005)

All gambling (including lotteries) is now governed by the Gambling Act 2005, which came fully into force on the 1 September 2007.

Cheshire East Council are responsible for the licensing of all premises under the Act. Our approach to licensing can be found under our Gambling Statement of Principles.

The Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission is the regulator for gambling in Great Britain and it is responsible for issuing and transferring operating and personal licences for commercial gambling operators and personnel working in the industry.

Gambling Premises licences, permits and registration

As the Licensing Authority, Cheshire East Council have the powers to licence gambling premises as well as undertaking functions in relation to low stake gaming machines and a new system of temporary use notices to permit gambling for limited periods.

Apply for the licences and permits issued by the Council:

  • Premises licences for any premises intending to provide gambling activities. Casinos, betting offices and race tracks, bingo clubs, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres. We also issue Provisional Statements for premises not yet built. Track betting premises can also apply for occasional use notices.
  • Gaming permits and club gaming machine permits for unlicensed family entertainment centres, club gaming, club machines, licensed premises gaming machines and prize gaming.  
  • Lotteries for information on types of lotteries and forms for registration of small society lotteries.

Consultation and representations

Local residents, interested parties and the police will be able to make representations to Cheshire East when an application is made to obtain a premises licence in their local area.

Residents may also make representations when an existing licence is varied or being reviewed. You can find out more about guidance on making representations.

Statement of principles

The new Gambling Act 2005 requires that all local authorities prepare, consult and publish a Statement of Principles which sets out the principles of how the local authority will manage the licensing of local gambling activities.

View further information on our statement of principles (PDF, 880KB).

Page last reviewed: 13 September 2024