Gambling Act 2005 - Large Casino

Current Position
On 15th May 2008 the Government granted Southampton the ability to grant a large casino licence.

A full copy of the council’s submission in support of its expression of interest to the Casino Advisory Panel can be found on their web site - please see the useful web sites links to the right.

The full Casino Advisory Panel report with its recommendation can be found by following the useful web sites links to the right. The justification for the CAP decision regarding Southampton is detailed on pages 100 - 101.

The information given here will be updated as appropriate.

What now?
There will be many steps to be followed before the council's licensing committee is able to consider any premises licence application.

Currently the council has, along with all licensing authorities in the UK, adopted a Statement of Licensing Principles. The council has resolved to review its statement to ensure that as far as it is able it takes account of the impact of any new casino in relation to regeneration aims, social, health and other impacts on the city and its citizens and advises potential operators in detail what it expects from them to limit any impact and maximise regeneration and employment opportunities. Before full council approves this revised document, there will be a full, open and transparent consultation process. Copies of the revised document will be available on Southampton online for comment by anyone who wishes to.

Whilst the council’s preferred site is Royal Pier applicants will be able to submit any proposals that meet the statutory criteria and those of the council, including suggesting other sites in the city. Ultimately, they will be considered by the council’s licensing committee after rigorous examination and an open and transparent application process. It is envisaged that, as with other types of applications in licensing and planning fields, that persons who wish to will be able to comment on the applications although certain commercial and financial elements may have to be considered in private.

A fact sheet as to what a new casino can and cannot provide and other aspects of the process is available via the "Fact Sheet" link on the left.

The timescales for any application process are, as yet, unknown, as the Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 Regulations intrinsically impact on the project.

Further Information - New Casino
All contact regarding the proposed new casino should be directed to:

Richard Ivory
Assistant Solicitor to the Council
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7LY

Telephone: 023 8083 2794
Email: casino@southampton.gov.uk

Links to the relevant enabling Statutory Instruments and explanatory notes on the Office of Public Sector Information's web site appear on the left of this page.

Other Gambling Information
All contact with regard to other aspects of the Gambling Act and the transfer of responsibilities to the city council should be directed to the Licensing Team - please follow the gambling link to the left.