FAQs

The Gambling Commission has defined gambling-related harm as ‘the adverse impacts from gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society. These harms impact on people’s resources, relationships and health. Negative effects can include loss of employment, debt, crime, breakdown of relationships and deterioration of physical and mental health.’

A gambling establishment is a premises that offers commercial gambling services including casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, arcades, and racetracks. The activities that take place in these establishments include playing gaming machines, placing bets, and playing bingo games. Hounslow Council is responsible for granting premises licences to authorise these types of gambling.

Gambling can be harmful to anyone, but some individuals can be more vulnerable to gambling harm. Vulnerable individuals include children and customers who are especially susceptible to harm due to personal circumstances. This can include people who spend more money or time gambling than they want, gamble beyond their means, or those who may not be able to make informed decisions due to health problems, learning disabilities, or substance misuse. Young adults may be particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

Gambling may be offered in places such as pubs, clubs, or community venues that do not have a gambling licence. In such cases, the council provides permits or sets limits to prevent gambling from exceeding certain boundaries. We will always consider the impact of this type of gambling on the 'Licensing Objectives' (see below).

Online gambling, also called remote gambling, refers to the use of digital platforms such as websites and apps for gambling. The Gambling Commission is responsible for issuing licences for online gambling and regulating it. Hounslow Council is not responsible for regulating online gambling, and it is not covered under our Statement of Principles (Gambling Policy).

Lotteries are a type of gambling that require a licence to operate legally. They can only be used to raise funds for charitable or good causes. The Gambling Commission regulates larger charity lotteries and the National Lottery. However, Hounslow Council issues licences to small societies that sell tickets to their residents. Some lotteries may not need a licence if they are provided under certain thresholds and based on rules around how they are promoted and operated.

The Gambling Act 2005 outlines how gambling can be legally provided. It is based on three 'Licensing Objectives' which must be promoted by anyone involved in providing gambling. We must consider the impact on these objectives before granting gambling licences. In summary, these objectives are:

• Preventing crime
• Protecting children and vulnerable people
• Ensuring fair and open gambling

We are required to review our Policy every three years. We may decide to review our Policy earlier is there is a need to make significant changes.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, Hounslow Council is responsible for taking the lead on regulating gambling within the borough. They issue licences and permits to authorise legal and responsible gambling and will take action if the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 are not met.