You need a gambling premises licence if you want to run a place where gambling takes place in person, such as a betting shop, bingo hall, casino, or adult gaming centre.
Each premises needs its own licence, even if you already hold one for a different location.
What the licence covers
A gambling premises licence allows you to offer gambling activities to the public at a fixed location.
This includes:
- betting (for example, betting shops)
- bingo
- gaming machines (for example, adult gaming centres or family entertainment centres)
- casino games
It does not cover remote or online gambling. Those are licensed directly by the Gambling Commission.
When you do not need this licence
You do not need a gambling premises licence if you:
- operate online-only gambling regulated by the Gambling Commission
- run amusements without prizes, such as arcade machines that do not offer cash or vouchers
- run lotteries or raffles, which need a lottery registration instead
Other licences or permissions
You will also need:
- an operating licence from the Gambling Commission covering the gambling activities you offer
- a personal management or personal functional licence if you are a key person involved in running the gambling business
You can find more information about national licensing requirements at: Apply for a gambling operating licence on the Gambling Commission Website.