Published: 16 October 2017 by Nick Arron
Greene King may have conceded their battle with the Gambling Commission on commercial bingo in pubs but you can still have bingo and gaming machines in your premises. Here’s how.
Bingo is permitted under the Gambling Act 2005 as equal chance exempt gaming. You do not need to obtain permissions. You can just do it.
The exemption applies to all premises which hold an alcohol on-licence, and there are limits and conditions on the provision of the bingo which must be adhered to. For instance:
There are also financial limits:
There is also a Code of Practice published by the Gambling Commission which applies to pubs providing bingo. Responsibility for compliance with the Code of Practice sits with the Designated Premises Supervisor. The Code of Practice includes requirements on (i) the ancillary nature of the bingo (you can’t become a bingo hall, you must remain a pub) (ii) supervision of the game by staff, and (iii) age verification. Our favourite part of the code: the DPS should ensure a “pleasant atmosphere” and deny participation to customers who cheat or collude with other players or employees, threaten other players or employees, or damage equipment. The joys of running a pub!
As to gaming machines you must either
Digital marketing could make your pub sweepstake illegal
With the pandemic forcing pubs to close for large periods over the past two years, we saw many establishments focus…
Your workplace Grand National sweepstake could be illegal
Most companies in the gambling industry are well-versed in what constitutes illegal gambling, particularly given the large fines handed out…
All Party Parliamentary Betting & Gaming Group publish findings of their investigation into the Gambling Commission
A copy of the report can be requested from their website
Can’t find what you’re looking for?