To operate a gaming machine at a premise you may require a licence, permit or be required to notify us.
See gaming machine categories (opens in new window).
Alcohol licensed premises
Two machines or fewer
An alcohol licensed premises can have up to two category C or D machines without requiring a permit. If you wish to provide up to two machines you must complete a notification of 2 or fewer gaming machines or gaming machine permit application.
Three or more machines
If you wish to provide more than two machines then the holder of the premises licence must apply for an alcohol licensed premises gaming machine permit.
You will only need to apply for a new permit if the holder of the premises licence changes.
You must be licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises without the requirement that alcohol is served only with food. There must also be a bar for serving alcohol to customers on the premises.
Clubs (commercial and non-commercial)
If you wish to offer gaming or gaming machines to members of a club then you must hold a club premises certificate or premises licence. You can then apply for a permit from us.
There are two kinds of club permit that can be issued under the Gambling Act 2005:
- Club gaming permit
- Club machine permit
Club gaming permit
Club gaming permits may be granted to members' clubs and miners' welfare institutes (but not commercial clubs). The permit allows for the use of up to three category B3A, B4, C or D gaming machines (3 machines in total), as well as equal chance gaming and games of chance.
The permit is valid for 10 years and may be renewed. There is an annual fee of £50.
Club machine permit
A club machine permit is for clubs who do not wish to have a club gaming permit but only wish to provide the use of up to three category B4 C or D gaming machines.
Commercial clubs who are not permitted to provide non-machine gaming may also apply for a club machine permit.
This permit authorises the use of up to three category B4, C or D gaming machines (3 machines in total).
The permit is valid for 10 years and may then be renewed. There is an annual fee of £50.
Holders of club gaming permits or club machine permits should follow the code of practice (opens in a new window) issued by the Gambling Commission.
Unlicensed family entertainment centre
If you wish to run a business which provides category D machines for use by families and unaccompanied children then you must get a permit from us.
If you wish to make category C machines available, in addition to category D machines then they need to apply for an operating licence from the Gambling Commission and then a premises licence from us.