Gambling Policy Consultation

Overview

Gambling Policy Consultation

Dorset Council, as the Licensing Authority under the Gambling Act 2005, is required to review and publish a Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy at least every three years. 

The current policy, which covers the period 2024 to 2027 and expires in February 2027, will be extended to February 2030. As an interim measure, Dorset Council is consulting on the continuation of the existing policy. No changes are proposed to the current Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy as part of this consultation. 

A full review of the policy will be undertaken during the lifecycle of the renewed policy. This will include the development of a Local Area Profile, which will enable operators to conduct site specific risk assessments and also provide an opportunity to consider any changes required following legislative, regulatory or local developments. A separate consultation will be carried out as part of that review. 

The Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy sets out how Dorset Council will carry out its functions under the Gambling Act 2005 and promote the licensing objectives to: 

• prevent gambling from being a source of crime and disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, or being used to support crime; 

• ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and 

• protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling. 

The Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy has been prepared in line with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 and the statutory guidance issued by the Gambling Commission. 

This consultation is being undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 and is limited to the statutory consultees prescribed by the Act. 

The current Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy 2024-2027 is available on Dorset Council's website. Statement of Gambling Policy Licensing Policy 2024 to 2027 - Dorset Council  

If you would like to access the policy or consultation materials in an alternative format, please contact the Licensing Team on 01305 838028 or licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. 

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Why your views matter

No changes are proposed to the current policy at this time. However, we would like to hear whether you think any aspects of the policy should be changed, improved, or updated. 

Your comments will help us understand whether the current policy remains fit for purpose and will also inform the full review mentioned above.