Club Gaming and Machine Permits under the Gambling Act 2005

There are three types of Club recognised:

Members’ Clubs:

These must have at least 25 members and be established or conducted mainly for purposes other than gaming. The Club should not be established to make a commercial profit and should be controlled by its members. Examples include most sports clubs, working men’s clubs, branches of the Royal British Legion and politically affiliated clubs.

Commercial Clubs:

These have the same characteristics as members clubs, except that they are established to make a profit. An example of such a club would be a snooker club. Certain bridge and whist clubs may operate as commercial clubs if they are established to make a profit.

Miners’ Welfare Institutes:

The definition of this class of club has changed to reflect social and economic changes since their establishment. They are managed by a charitable trust which has received funds from one of a number of mining organisations.

Club Machine Permit - This will entitle clubs to offer up to three gaming machines from categories B3A, B4, C or D. The Club can choose the combination of machines on its premises. It will not, however, authorise the provision of any other facilities for gaming. It is the equivalent to Part III registration under the old legislation.

Club Gaming Permit – This will entitle clubs to offer up to three gaming machines from categories B4, C or D, the Club can choose the combination of machines on its premises, plus facilities for equal chance gaming (subject to certain limits) and such games as are prescribed by the Secretary of State in regulations. It is the equivalent to Part II registration under the old legislation.

Both the above permits last for ten years. A renewal fee will be apply at the end of this period. Holders of both permits will also be required to pay an annual fee to the Licensing Authority.

Permit holders are required to comply with the Gambling Commission gaming machine permits code of practice. Compliance with these provisions is a condition of the permit, and failure to do so could result in revocation of the permit.

Transitional arrangements After 1 September 2007:

The following arrangements will apply:

• A Club registered under Part II of the old legislation will be treated as if it holds a Club Gaming Permit under the Act
• A Club registered under Part III of the old legislation will be treated as if it holds a Club Machine Permit under the Act

These arrangements will expire on the date on which your current registration is due to expire. You should apply for the relevant Club Permit under the Act at least two months before the date on which your registration is due to expire.