Licensing
The Gambling Commission seeks to ensure that
those offering facilities for gambling, or working in the gambling
industry, are suitable to do so and that the activities they
plan to carry out will be conducted in a manner which minimises the
risks to the licensing objectives.
Assessing licence applications
In considering
an application we have regard to the licensing objectives. We
consider whether they are likely to be compromised and the
suitability of an applicant to carry out the licensed
activities.
When considering the suitability of an applicant we have
regard to the following elements and seek evidence to support and
enable an assessment to be made against each
one:
- identity and ownership
– the identity of the applicant and or person(s) relevant to the
application and or, in the case of an application for an operating
licence, who ultimately owns a corporate applicant.
- finances – financial and other
circumstances of the applicant, past and present, and or person(s)
relevant to the application. For operating licences this will
include the resources likely to be available to carry out the
licensed activities.
- integrity – the honesty and
trustworthiness of the applicant and or person(s) relevant to the
application.
- competence – the experience, expertise,
qualifications and history of the applicant and or person(s)
relevant to the application.
- criminality – criminal record of
the applicant and or person(s) relevant to the
application.
In respect of the licensing objectives we will look at the
applicants policies for ensuring that the licensing objectives will
be adhered to, an understanding of the legislation overall and
evidence that arrangements will address the social responsibility
requirements.
Our approach to licensing is set out in our Licensing, compliance
and enforcement policy statement and Statement of principles for
licensing and regulation.
Licensing compliance and enforcement policy statement - September
2009
Statement of principles for licensing and regulation - September
2009
Applying for a licence
Applicants can find information about the
type(s) of licence(s) they will require, and details of how to
apply in the relevant section of our website: