Gaming permits

The Gambling Act 2005 provides for a number of different permits for various gambling activities, including gaming machines and prize gaming in alcohol licensed premises.

Holders of permits for gaming machines are required to comply with codes of practice, drawn up by the Gambling Commission on the location and operation of machines. Information on these codes can be found on the Gambling Commission's web site (please see the link to the right)

Licensing authorities may only grant or reject an application for a permit. No conditions may be attached to a permit.

The types of permits that may be granted are as follows:

• Unlicensed family entertainment centre permit;
• Club gaming permits and club machine permits;
• Alcohol licensed premises gaming machine permits;
• Prize gaming permits

In addition, licensing authorities are responsible for receiving, from owners of licensed premises, notifications that they intend to exercise their automatic entitlement to two gaming machines in their premises under section 282 of the Act.

There are different categories of gaming machines covered by licences and permits. For more information on the different types of gaming machines and the fees for different types of permits, please see the related documents links below.

Further Information

Notes for guidance, application forms, notification forms and guidance are available via the links below, including a guidance note from the Gambling Commission.

If you need to contact us by email, phone or post, please do so using the details below.

Opening hours

Members of the licensing team will normally be available at Southbrook Rise, 4-8 Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1YG, to assist personal callers on weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 and between 14:00 and 16:00. We may be available at other times by prior appointment.

Please note that the addresses and numbers given below should only be used for communication with the licensing team.