Gambling Policy Review
The Gambling Act 2005 requires licensing authorities to publish a Statement of Principles, also known as the ‘Gambling Policy’, every three years. Darlington’s current policy was published in January 2022 and as such, a new policy is due to be published in January 2025.
The policy includes three objectives, which support the role of the Gambling Commission and ourselves. These are:
- preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime
- ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- protecting children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling
As part of this review, we are consulting on the current policy and would like to know if you believe there are any changes or additions that should be included. We would also like you to consider if there are any local issues associated with gambling premises, which are not already addressed, that you feel should be included?
In 2023 the Department for Culture, Media and Sport conducted a public consultation relating to the land based gambling sector and new regulations have been proposed. Once implemented, these will be incorporated into the new policy.
The policy does not include web-based, on-line gambling or any aspects of advertising or promotion as these are the responsibility of the Gambling Commission. Therefore we are not seeking views on these as part of this consultation.
View the draft statement of principles [pdf]
Should you wish to respond please do so by contacting the licensing manager in writing at [email protected] or
Darlington Borough Council
Town Hall
Feethams
Darlington
DL1 5QT
Responses will be considered by the Licensing Committee before a final decision is made by Full Council in December 2024.