Prize gaming permits

Under the Gambling Act 2005 ("the Act") a Prize Gaming Permit is a Permit issued by us to authorise the provision of facilities for gaming with prizes on specified premises.

 

An application for a Permit can only be made by a person who occupies or plans to occupy the relevant premises and if the applicant is an individual, s/he must be aged 18 or over. Holders of Premises Licences under the Act and holders of Club Gaming Permits may not apply for Prize Gaming Permits.

 

Prize gaming is defined in Section 288 of the Act, and is gaming in which neither the nature nor the size of a prize is determined by the number of persons playing or the amount paid for or raised by the gaming. It is, therefore, gaming where the organiser puts up the prizes in advance, as distinct from gaming where the stakes of the participants make up the winnings. Prize gaming is intended to permit low level gaming for small participation fees and modest prizes. Bingo played at seaside amusement arcades is typical of this type of gaming.

 

The following premises are authorised by the Act to offer prize gaming, subject to certain conditions, and do not require a separate Prize Gaming Permit:

 

Applicants will be required to provide evidence of the following:

 

Part 13 of the new Act, which concerns Prize Gaming, replaces and updates Section 21 of the Gaming Act 1968 and Section 16 of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.

 

Fees, application forms and guidance

For further information concerning the Gambling Act 2005, please contact the Licensing Team. The Gambling Commission can be contacted on 0121 230 6666.