Bingo licences

When do I need a licence for bingo?

Bingo is deemed to be "equal chance gaming". This is defined as gaming where:

• it does not involve playing or staking against a bank
• the chances are equally favourable to all players.

It is does not matter how the bank is described or whether the bank is controlled or administered by a player. In order to provide bingo as a commercial venture, a bingo operating licence is required from the Gambling Commission and a premises licence is required from the licensing authority.

Conditions may be attached:

• limiting amounts that may be staked
• limiting the amount that may be charged
• limiting the amount or value of a prize or class of prize
• requiring that at least a specified proportion of stakes be paid out by way of prizes
• imposing requirements that are specific to games of bingo played on more than one set of premises.

Bingo may be played in commercial bingo clubs where there should be no statutory limits on:

(a) stakes and prizes
(b) frequency of multiple bingo games.

The Gambling Commission should approve any new games and roll overs would be permitted.

Clubs and pubs

No authorisation is needed under the Gambling Act 2005 unless the bingo offered is "high turnover bingo".

High turnover bingo is defined as bingo where the total stakes and prizes in any 7 day period exceed £2,000. The "high turnover period" expires 12 months after the first day of the 7 day period that triggered the period to begin. Any subsequent high turnover period does not result in a new 12 month period beginning.

Equal chance gaming

In order to provide equal chance gaming all 3 types of club must comply with the following conditions:

• each player must be a person who is a member of the club or institute who applied for membership, was nominated for membership, or became a member not less than 48 hours before participation; Is a guest of such a member of the club or institute
• gaming must satisfy the requirements in relation to limiting the amounts that may be staked, or the amount or value of a prize
• no amount may be deducted or levied from sums staked or won
• any participation fee must not exceed any maximum prescribed
• any game played on one set of premises must not be linked with a game played on another set of premises.

If the equal chance gaming is bingo and, during a 7 day period, the aggregate of stakes or prizes exceeds £2000 a period known as “the high turnover period” commences. If during the following 12 months (starting with the start of the original 7 day period) the aggregate of stakes or prizes again exceeds £2000 the exemption is lost and a bingo operators' licence is required.

The club or institute must notify the Gambling Commission and failure to do so is an offence.

How do I apply for a bingo premises licence?

The applicant will need to apply for an operating licence from the Gambling Commission before they apply.

Depending on the size of your business you may also need to apply for personal licences.

The Gambling Commission website provides more information on how to obtain the required licences.

Gambling Commission (external website)

You can submit an application to the licensing team for either a provisional statement or a premises licence.

An application for a provisional statement should be made if the premises still needs to be built, needs major alterations or the applicant does not yet have the right to occupy it. A provisional statement is not the same as a premises licence, but will offer a degree of certainty to the applicant when they come to apply for a premises licence.

A premise licence application should be made if the applicant has the right to occupy the premises and has a valid operating licence from the Gambling Commission that allows them to run an arcade as a business.

Before applying for a premises licence please read the statement of licensing policy 

Gambling Act 2005 statement of licensing policy (word 2.7mb, opens in a new window) 

To apply for a premises licence or a provisional statement you must complete the application and submit it to the licensing team along with the required fee.

Gambling Act 2005 Fee list (word 74kb opens in a new window)

Premise Licence Application (pdf 24kb opens in a new window)

Provisional Statement Application (pdf 25kb opens in a new window)

The following supporting documents also need to be submitted along with the application:

• copy of operating licence
• an appropriate plan of the premises Guidance on plan requirements
• evidence that DBS checks are carried out on staff
• evidence that applicants and staff have a full understanding of the maximum stakes and prizes of the gambling that is permissible in FECs
• evidence that applicants have no relevant convictions
• proof of planning permission
• proof of right to occupy the building.

There are 2 different types of conditions which are attached to a premises licence.

These are:

Mandatory conditions

These are attached to certain classes of premise licence automatically and the council has no discretion to change, exclude or substitute these.

Default conditions

These are conditions which will be attached to a premises licence automatically unless the applicant states on the application that they wish to exclude or alter a default condition.

Completed applications can be submitted by post to:

Licensing Team

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
County Hall
Cross Street
Beverley
HU17 9BA

or via one of the customer service centres. Please use our customer service centre finder to locate your nearest centre.

The applicant must also give notice of their application for a premises licence to the following authorities; Gambling Commission, HMRC, Police Chief, Fire and Rescue, Environmental Health Department, Local Licensing Authority, Child Protection Service.

Notice of premises licence application to responsible authorities Form A (pdf 16kb opens in a new window)

Notice of application for a premises licence to responsible authorities Form B (pdf 12kb opens in a new window)

Form of Notice Provisional statement Form A (pdf 10kb opens in a new window)

Notice of application for a provisional statement - Responsible authorities Form B (pdf 12kb opens in a new window)

Responsible Authorities Contact details (word 78kb opens in a new window)

The applicant must also advertise the application once in a local newspaper or newsletter within 10 working days of submitting the application to the licensing team and by posting a notice in a convenient place outside the premises for a period of 28 days.

Notice Newspaper and Public Premises Licence (pdf 13kb opens in a new window)

Representations may be made against the application in order to be considered valid objections must be based on one of the 3 licensing objectives. These are:

• preventing gambling for being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, or being used to support crime
• ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

If a relevant objection is received to an application, a sub-committee will be arranged to determine the application. The licensing sub-committee will be made up of 3 councillors. The applicant will be notified not more than 10 working days before the date of the hearing and sent a report with copies of the representations that have been received against the application. Guidance will also be given on the format of the hearing. The sub-committee may make the following outcomes as a result of the hearing:

• grant the licence/provisional statement as per the application
• grant the licence/provisional statement subject to additional conditions (this could include a reduction to the hours applied for)
• refuse the application.

If the applicant is unhappy with the decision made by the sub-committee they have the right of appeal to the magistrates’ court. Information on how to appeal will be included in the decision letter.

When the licence is granted the applicant will be sent the licence and summary in the post. The summary must go on display in a prominent position on the premises.

The premises licence holder must pay the first annual fee within 30 days of the grant of the licence and then an annual fee on or before the anniversary of the grant date each year. If an annual fee is not paid the licence will lapse.

The license would also lapse if any of the following circumstances occur:

• the annual fee is not paid
• the holder is not occupying the premises
• the holder of the licence is an individual and they die
• the holder of the licence is an individual that becomes mentally or physically incapacitated
• the holder becomes bankrupt
• the holder goes into liquidation
• notice of surrender of the licence is served on the licensing authority
• forfeiture by a court.

It is the responsibility of the premises licence holder to ensure that the licence is run in line with the Gambling Act 2005 regulations.

Applicants who have applied for a provisional statement will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application. A grant application for a premises licence must be submitted once they have the right to occupy the premises or the building has been completed. The licensing authority will not accept any representations to the application unless they address matters that could not have been addressed in the application for a provisional statement or they reflect a change in the applicant’s circumstances.

How do I pay for a bingo premises licence?

You can submit a cheque made payable to East Riding of Yorkshire Council with your completed application form and supporting documentation, or alternatively you can pay using a credit/debit card on (01482) 396297.

You can also visit any customer service centre located across the East Riding, were you can submit your application fee and payment together.

What other permissions may I need?

If applying for a bingo premises licence you may also need to speak with the Planning department.

How do I vary my bingo premises licence?

The holder of a premises licence can apply to the local authority to vary the licence by:

• adding, amending or removing an authorised activity
• amending another detail of the licence
• excluding a default condition
• adding, amending or removing a discretionary condition.

A premises licence cannot be varied to relate to a premises that it did not previously relate to.

Application to vary your Gambling Act premises licence (word 131kb opens in a new window)

To vary the premises licence an application must be submitted to the licensing team along with a plan of the premises if applicable and the fee.

The applicant must also give notice of their application to vary a premises licence to the following authorities; Gambling Commission, HMRC, Police Chief, Fire and Rescue, Environmental Health Department, Local Licensing Authority, Child Protection Service.

Notice of premises licence application to responsible authorities Form A (pdf 16kb opens in a new window)

Notice of application for a premises licence to responsible authorities Form B (pdf 12kb opens in a new window)

Responsible Authorities Contact details (word 78kb opens in a new window)

The applicant must also advertise the application once in a local newspaper or newsletter within 10 working days of submitting the application to the licensing team and by posting a notice in a convenient place outside the premises for a period of 28 days.

The applicant must also advertise the application once in a local newspaper or newsletter within 10 working days of submitting the application to the licensing team and by posting a notice in a convenient place outside the premises for a period of 28 days.

Notice Newspaper and Public Premises Licence (pdf 13kb opens in a new window)

Representations may be made against the application in order to be considered valid objections must be based on one of the 3 licensing objectives. These are:

Representations may be made against the application in order to be considered valid objections must be based on one of the 3 licensing objectives. These are:

• preventing gambling for being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, or being used to support crime
• ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

If a relevant objection is received to an application, a sub-committee will be arranged to determine the application. The licensing sub-committee will be made up of 3 councillors. The applicant will be notified not more than 10 working days before the date of the hearing and sent a report with copies of the representations that have been received against the application. Guidance will also be given on the format of the hearing. The sub-committee may make the following outcomes as a result of the hearing:

• grant the licence as per the variation application
• grant the variation application subject to additional conditions (this could include a reduction to the hours applied for)
• refuse the application.

If the applicant is unhappy with the decision made by the sub-committee they have the right of appeal to the magistrates’ court. Information on how to appeal will be included in the decision letter.

When the licence is granted the applicant will be sent an amended licence and summary in the post. The summary must go on display in a prominent position on the premises.

How do I transfer my bingo premises licence?

When the control of an existing licensed gambling premise is to change to a different operator, it is necessary to apply to the licensing authority to transfer the licence. Please note permits cannot be transferred.

Before a transfer application can be made an application for the relevant operators licence and personal licences must be made to the Gambling Commission. A premises licence cannot be issued before the appropriate licences have been granted by the Gambling Commission.

You can contact the Gambling Commission:

Gambling Commission (external website)

Telephone: 0121 2306666

To apply to transfer a premises licence the applicant must complete the following form:

Premises Transfer Application form (pdf 42kb opens in a new window)

and submit it to the licensing team along with the following:

• the existing premises licence - if it is not possible to return the existing premises licence with the application a statement as to why this is the case should be provided and an application must be made for a duplicate copy of the licence
• written consent to transfer the licence from the existing holder. Please complete the appropriate form transfer
• if it is not possible to obtain written consent from the current premises licence holder i.e. they have left the premises and their current whereabouts is unknown. In some circumstances the licensing authority can dis-apply the need for consent. However, it is expected that the applicant will have taken all reasonable steps to reach the licence holder and they must supply a statement of these steps to the licensing authority. This does not apply if the previous licence holder has refused to give consent
• The appropriate application fee from the list below:

Gambling Act 2005 Fee list (word 74kb opens in new window)

Question 17 on the application form allows the applicant to request that they are treated as if they were the licence-holder during the application period. This will allow an established premise to continue operating under the authority of the premises licence while the application is considered. However, the use of this provision does not exempt the applicant from any other requirement under the Act, such as the need to hold a valid operating licence. The effect of this section will commence when the application is received.

Applications can be submitted by post to:

Licensing Team,
East Riding Of Yorkshire Council,
County Hall,
Cross Street,
Beverley,
East Riding of Yorkshire,
HU17 9BA

Or via one of the customer service centres. Please use our customer service centre finder to locate your nearest centre.

The applicant must give notice of the transfer application to the following responsible authorities:

• The Gambling Commission
• HM Revenue and Customs
• East Riding Safe Guarding Children Board
• Humberside Police

Responsible Authorities Contact details (word 78kb opens in a new window)

The notice must be done on the prescribed form. Form A should be used if an Individual of company is making the application. Form B should be used if more than one individual or company is making the application.

Notice of premises licence application to responsible authorities Form A (pdf 16kb opens in a new window)

Notice of application for a premises licence to responsible authorities Form B (pdf 12kb opens in a new window)

The notice must be done on the prescribed form. Form A should be used if an Individual of company is making the application. Form B should be used if more than one individual or company is making the application.

Representations from any of these responsible authorities will be accepted during the period of 28 days starting from when the application has been made. If valid representations are received then a licensing sub-committee will be organised to determine the application.

How do I renew my bingo premises licence?

These premises must pay an annual fee on or before 30 days after the grant date and then annually on the anniversary of the grant date. If the annual fee is not paid then the licence will automatically lapse.

An annual fee can be paid by any one of the following methods: 

• by credit or debit card over the telephone 01482 396297

The license will not lapse unless any of the following circumstances occur:

• the annual fee is not paid
• the holder is not occupying the premises
• the holder of the licence is an individual and they die
• the holder of the licence is an individual that becomes mentally or physically incapacitated.
• the holder becomes bankrupt
• the holder goes into liquidation
• notice of surrender of the licence is served on the licensing authority
• forfeiture by a court.

How do I apply to reinstate a premises licence?

When a premises licence lapses because the licence holder dies, becomes incapable of carry on licensable activities due to mental or physical incapacity, becomes bankrupt or in the case of an organisation ceases to exist or goes into administration, an application can be made to the licensing team to reinstate the licence.

The application must be submitted no later than 6 months after the date the licence has lapsed. The applicant must have the legal right to occupy the premise and have applied for the appropriate operating and personal licences from the gambling commission (external website)

If after 6 months have passed, then a new application for a premises licence must be made.

The application form must be submitted to the licensing team along with the fee and the original licence or a statement explaining why it has not been possible to return the licence and make an application for a replacement licence.

Application for Reinstatement of premises licence (pdf 22kb opens in a new window)

Gambling Act 2005 Fee list (word 74kb opens in a new window)

The applicant must give notice of the reinstatement application within 7 days to the following responsible authorities:

• The Gambling Commission
• HM Revenue and Customs
• East Riding Safe Guarding Children Board
• Humberside Police

Responsible Authorities Contact details (word 78kb opens in a new window)

The notice must be done on the prescribed form. Form A should be used if an individual of company is making the application. Form B should be used if more than one individual or company is making the application.

The notice must be done on the prescribed form. Form A should be used if an individual of company is making the application. Form B should be used if more than one individual or company is making the application.

Notice of premises licence application to responsible authorities Form A (pdf 16kb opens in a new window)

Notice of application for a premises licence to responsible authorities Form B (pdf 12kb opens in a new window)

Representations from any of these responsible authorities will be accepted during the period of 28 days starting from when the application has been made. If valid representations are received then a licensing sub-committee will be organised to determine the application.

Representations from any of these responsible authorities will be accepted during the period of 28 days starting from when the application has been made. If valid representations are received then a licensing sub-committee will be organised to determine the application.

Applications can be submitted by post to:

Licensing Team,
East Riding Of Yorkshire Council,
County Hall,
Cross Street,
Beverley,
East Riding of Yorkshire,
HU17 9BA

Or via one of the local customer service centres. Please use our customer service centre finder to locate your nearest centre.

Payment can be made by cheque made payable to East Riding of Yorkshire Council or by debit or credit card by telephoning (01482) 396297 or via a cashiers at one of the local customer service centres. Please use our customer service centre finder to locate your nearest centre.

What happens if my permit or licence has been lost or stolen?

If your permit or licence has been lost stolen or damaged you must contact the licensing team with a statement of the reason and pay £25 for a replacement by:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

Who regulates bingo premises?

The Gambling Act 2005 Regulates gaming in the following situations; arcades, bingo, betting, gaming machines, lotteries, race tracks, gaming, casinos and United Kingdom based remote gambling. It does not regulate the National Lottery.

The Gambling Act 2005 has 3 objectives these are:

• preventing gambling for being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, or being used to support crime
• ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The following organisations are responsible for the day to day regulating the Gambling Act 2005:

• The Gambling Commission
• The Local Licensing Authority.

The Gambling Commission website can provide useful information regarding their powers.

Gambling Commission (external website)

The Act covers 2 main activities:

• providing facilities for gambling
• using premises for gambling.

In either case, you must hold the appropriate permission. Permission may come from a licence, permit, or registration granted according to the Act, or from an exemption given by the Act.

How do I know if a gambling activity is authorised?

The licensing team keep a register of all the permits and licences that have been issued for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council area. These can be viewed in our public registers

How do I report a suspicious gambling activity or make a complaint about an authorised premise?

If you want to report a suspicious gambling activity or make a complaint you can contact the licensing team. Please provide us with as much information as possible so that we can investigate the complaint by:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

You may also want to report the issue to the Gambling Commission using their website

Gambling Commission (external website)

Offences

There are a number of offences under the Gambling Act 2005. Please refer to the attached documents.

Offences under the Gambling Act 2005 (pdf 71kb opens in a new window)

Enforcement Policy

All enforcement action carried out by the licensing team is done in line with the council’s enforcement policy.

Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy (word 2.7mb opens in a new window) 

Inspections

The licensing team carry out regular programmed and un-programmed inspections to ensure that gambling activities are being carried out in line with the Gambling Act 2005 regulations.

Reviews

An application can be made for the review of a premises licence by any of the responsible authorities or an interested party. The licensing authority may also carry out a review of a premise on its own initiative.

The licensing authority will decide whether the review will be carried out, this decision will be made on the basis of whether the request for a review is relevant to the following:

• the code of practice issued by the licensing authority
• the guidance issued by the gambling authority
• the licensing objectives
• the statement of licensing policy.

Requests for reviews will not be considered where:

• the request is frivolous or vexatious
• it will not cause the authority to consider altering, revoking or suspending the licence
• it is substantially the same as previous representations or requests for a review.

The application for a review must be made using the application form and specify the grounds for which the review is sought. Notice of the application must be served by the applicant on the licence holder and each of the responsible authorities. The local authority must also publish notice of the application. A responsible authority or interested party will have 28 days to make representations about the application.

Application for review of a premises licence (pdf 15kb opens in a new window)

Notice of a review (pdf 16kb opens in a new window)

Responsible authorities contact details (word 78kb opens in a new window)

Where the application for a review is successful a licensing sub-committee will be organised and all interested parties will be invited. As a result of the review the sub-committee can make the following decisions:

Where the application for a review is successful a licensing sub-committee will be organised and all interested parties will be invited. As a result of the review the sub-committee can make the following decisions:

Where the application for a review is successful a licensing sub-committee will be organised and all interested parties will be invited. As a result of the review the sub-committee can make the following decisions:

• revoke the licence
• suspend the licence for a period not exceeding 3 months
• exclude a default condition attached to the licence or amend an exclusion
• add, remove or amend a discretionary condition attached to the licence.

On the completion of a review the licensing authority must give notice of the decision and the reason for the decision to all interested parties.

The holder of the premises licence has the right to appeal the decision of a review to the magistrates' court.

What happens if I do not apply for a licence?

It is an offence under The Gambling Act 2005 to operate a gambling premises without the correct licence or permit in force.

The Licensing Authority, may prosecute you if you operate unlawfully in accordance with our Gambling Act 2005 licensing policy.