Licensing Board – Gambling Policy

Overview

The Licensing Board is consulting on the terms of its Gambling Policy Statement.  The policy statement forms the basis upon which the Board considers applications for premises licences for venues such as betting shops, bingo halls, casinos, gaming machines in entertainment centres and pubs, and a range of other matters.

The policy does not cover matters which are the responsibility of the Gambling Commission and in addition the Licensing Board has a separate policy on alcohol licensing which does not form part of this consultation.

The Board invites comments on the terms of the current Gambling Policy Statement, having already agreed that it will be updated to take account of changes to guidance issued by the Gambling Commission.  Details are being sent out to a range of consultees by email.     

Why your views matter

The Board must ensure that it reviews its gambling policy at least every three years.  In doing so, it is important the Board is able to take account of the views of a range of potential consultees, including trade representatives, statutory consultees (police, etc) but also from the public.

There have been no significant changes to guidance issued by the Gambling Commission that materially affect the current Statement of Principles. The Licensing Board does not propose to make any significant changes, and for these reasons it is proposed that the Statement of Principles will remain relatively unchanged for the forthcoming period until the end of January 2028.

Need a different language or format?

Please email the Interpretation and Translation Service at its@edinburgh.gov.uk quoting reference [Email ITS a copy of your consultation documents and questionnaire and ask them for a reference number. Input your reference number here].

What happens next?

The Board will consider the responses received and decide upon the terms of its gambling policy for the next three years.  The Board will continue to review the policy during that period.

The policy will be published around the end of September 2025.