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Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484354
ehealth@lewes.gov.uk
Minicom 01273 484488
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Gambling & Lottery
We work with the Gambling Commission to issue licences for gaming, betting and lotteries.
The Gambling Act 2005 covers the licensing of premises used for gambling and granting permits to certain types of entertainment centres and other authorised premises run as clubs or public houses.
The Gambling Commission advises us and we implement gambling within the district in accordance with their guidance and our Gambling Policy Statement..
We have powers to licence gambling premises in their area as well as issue permits in relation to lower stake gaming machines.
The act applies to casinos, bingo clubs, lotteries and gaming machines. Betting and online gambling are included in the Gambling Commission's jurisdiction.
Application process
Once an application, or renewal, has been submitted we consult with the police as to the suitability of the application. Our Environmental Health officer will also make their recommendations.
Permits are renewable on a three-yearly basis from the date of issue. Permit holders are reminded prior to expiry. Licences remain in force subject to an annual fee.
Considerations
When considering issuing a licence we take account of three key factors in our decision making:
- Prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime;
- Ensuring gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
- Protect children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Gaming machines
Gaming machines on premises are only permitted in accordance with a specific licence or permit issued by us or the Gambling Commission depending on the type of premises and category of machine available to use.
Lotteries
The Gambiling Act 2005 controls the conduct of small lotteries and raffles by societies raising money for charitable, sports and other similar purposes, otherwise than for personal gain.
The Act defines all lotteries, which do not constitute gaming, as illegal but there are exceptions which do not require registration. We are the registration authority for society lotteries.
Any charity or group who wish to hold any type of lottery or raffle must register with us under the Gambling Act. Registration is annual and regulations cover the way in which a lottery is held.
No lotteries which are generally run as a fundraising operation by voluntary bodies are lawful unless approval has been given by us and a permit issued which is generally valid for 12 months.
There is a small fee for the issue of a permit which has to be renewed annually. This ensures all proceeds are properly applied and no fraudulent activity is present
Lotteries not promoted by societies or where the value of tickets for sale in a lottery exceeds £20,000 have to register with the Gambling Commission and not us.
