Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Occasional use notices

The second type of race night relies on bets being taken by a licensed betting operator on events, including cases where odds and form are available to gamblers.

This type of race night can only be organised at sporting venues under the authority of an Occasional Use Notice (OUN). It does not matter, however, whether or not the sporting event on which the bets are taken is held at that venue. The sporting event on which the bets are or will be taken also need not be taking place at the same time as the betting under the OUN. 

An OUN must be sent in writing to the relevant local authority in advance of the event and be copied to the chief officer of police for the area in which the venue is located (or, in Scotland, the chief constable of the police force for the area). OUNs may not be used for more than eight days in a calendar year in respect of any one venue.

The person administering the betting under an OUN must have a Gambling Commission operating licence (that is, must be a licensed bookmaker).

For further information about betting under an OUN see section 39 of the Gambling Act 2005.


Please contact us if you have any further questions on race nights.

Page last reviewed: November 2011