Prize Gaming Permit

Applicants are strongly urged to complete online applications as the default position. Post is not being opened as frequently, therefore applications posted to us may not be received or considered promptly. Should you be making a representation to an application please email this to us. The licensing team can be contacted at licensing@spelthorne.gov.uk or 01784 444213 option 3.

A Prize Gaming Permit is a Permit issued by the Council to authorise the provision of facilities for gaming with prizes on specified premises.

Who can apply?

An application for a Permit can only be made by a person who occupies or plans to occupy the relevant premises.

If the applicant is an individual, she or 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 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.

Which premises are authorised?

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:

• holders of Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licences
• holders of Family Entertainment Centre Premises Licences
• holders of Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permits
• travelling fairs
• bingo halls

How do I obtain a permit?

If you need to obtain a Prize Gaming Permit, you will need to provide evidence of:

• the types of gaming that you intend to offer
• the ability to demonstrate that you understand the limits to stakes and prizes that are set out in Regulations
• that the gaming offered is within the law

Part 13 of the new Gambling Act replaces and updates Section 21 of the Gaming Act 1968 and Section 16 of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.

Fees

There is a charge for this and the fees can be found in our Fees and Charges book.

Transitional arrangements

To operate prize gaming by virtue of a Prize Gaming Permit after 1 September 2007, you will need:

• a Prize Gaming Permit