All gambling activities (with the exemption of the National Lottery and spread betting) are regulated by the Gambling Act 2005. Gambling is defined in the Act as either gaming, betting or taking part in a lottery.

The type of activities covered by the act includes:

  • betting
  • bingo
  • casino gaming
  • prize gaming
  • use of gaming machines
  • lotteries and raffles

Sutton acts as the Licencing Authority, and we are responsible for licensing premises where gambling takes place but isn't the main activity. For example, gaming machines in pubs.

The Gambling Commission are responsible for licensing operators and individuals that provide facilities specifically for gambling and betting.

About permits

Permits are issued to premises that offer either:

  • very low-stakes and prize gaming
  • premises whose primary function is not the provision of gambling facilities

We issue the following types of Permit under the Act.

Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permit

A premises providing low stake and prize gaming machines that can be played by people under the age of 18.

Club Gaming and Club Machine Permits

Members clubs that want to provide gaming machines or high-value gaming in their premises for the exclusive use of members.

Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit

Some premises which have a premises licence to sell alcohol for consumption can apply for this permit. It allows them to have a stated number of gaming machines within the premises.

Gaming Machine Notification

Some premises which have a premises licence to sell alcohol for consumption can apply for this permit. It allows them to make 1 or 2 gaming machines available for use.

Prize Gaming Permit

Allows the playing of games where the organiser puts up the prize in advance. It is not determined by the number of persons playing or the amount paid or raised by the gaming.

Applying for a permit or notification

You will need to complete the relevant application form.

Post your completed form to:

Licensing Team
London Borough of Sutton
Civic Offices
St Nicholas Way
Sutton
SM1 1EA

Permit and notification applicants and holders are not required to have an Operating Licence issued by the Gambling Commission.

Fees

Details of the fees payable are available on our fees page.

In addition to the application fee, an annual fee is payable for some permits issued under the Gambling Act in order to keep them active. 

You can pay online or over the phone by calling 020 8770 5000.

Public Register

The Gambling Commission public register holds the details of all operating licence holders, personal licence holders and premises licences.

For details of other licence and permit holders, contact the Licensing Team.