FAQs

It is important to note the different roles the Gambling Commission, Licensing Authority and the Planning Authority play in the administration of the legislation when commenting on the Gambling Act policy document.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling on a national level and is responsible for advising national and local government on gambling related issues. Gambling operators (e.g. William Hill and Coral) will require an operating licence and any relevant personal licences from the Gambling Commission, who then apply for a premises licence from the relevant Licensing Authority.

The Planning Authority’s role in the Gambling Act relates to the granting of planning permission and in particular planning permission for betting shops, they will deal with permissions under their own legislation and any local plans which can reduce issues like clustering. 

Sheffield City Council as the Licensing Authority has a duty under the legislation to licence premises in their area where gambling is to take place and to licence certain other activities such as registering small society lotteries. Decisions by the Licensing Authority and the Gambling Commission must be made in accordance with the three licensing objectives.

Out of scope:

• Online gambling – this is regulated by the Gambling Commission
• National Lottery – this is regulated by the Gambling Commission
• Planning issues/permission – this is dealt by the Planning Department
• Setting limits on the number or type of gambling premises
• Removing sections from the policy which is set out in the policy regulations

In scope for change:

• Any details in the policy document, particularly any local principles/policy set by us which is generally detailed in the purple shaded box’s 
• Any of the risk factors listed in Part 5 Location / area profiling & risk assessments – any comments or additional risks will need to be evidenced
• We can take into account any additional city strategies and plans