Before you apply for a gambling premises licence

What you need to know before you apply for a gambling premises licence, including eligible premises and exceptions.

You need a premises licence to run a premises based gambling business. 

It is an offence to provide facilities for gambling unless the required permissions are in place, or an exemption applies.

Premises that are eligible for a licence 

Premises that can be licensed for gambling include:

  • casino premises
  • bingo premises
  • betting premises including tracks
  • adult gaming centres (AGCs)
  • family entertainment centres (FECs)

Every premise that requires a premises licence will also need an operating licence – Gambling Commission and may also need personal licence – Gambling Commission.

We can only issue a premises licence once you have received your operating licence.

Exceptions for tracks

Exceptions are made in the case of tracks – for example dog and horse racing tracks. 

Unlike other premises types, tracks are able to hold more than 1 licence at one time. This is permitted as long as each licence relates to a different, specified area of the track.