Service Description: The Licensing Authority will issue a premises licence for: Casinos, Betting Offices and Race Tracks, Bingo Clubs, Adult Gaming Centres, Family Entertainment Centres. They will issue permits for: Gaming machines in members' clubs and licensed premises, prize gaming and Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres.
Answer: The current law is unclear on the distinction between lotteries, prize competitions and free draws. The new Gambling Act seeks to clarify the distinction between lotteries on the one hand and competitions and free draws on the other. The Commission has consulted over the implications of these provisions and has published guidance which sets out our opinion of the implications of the provisions in the 2005 Act relating to lotteries, competitions and draws and in particular where the boundaries lie between the three. From September 2007 the Commission will be expected to monitor the boundary between lotteries, and competitions and draws and to ensure that those organising lotteries are properly licensed to do so. Details of how to apply for a licence are available here. The Commission has no statutory responsibility for competitions or free prize draws. There are no licensing or registration requirements or any restriction on who can run a prize competition or 'free draw'. The rules and conduct of the competition or 'free draw' are solely the responsibility of those running the promotion. These schemes are of course subject to the more general laws on fraud, theft, deception, etc., and those intending to run such a promotion are advised to seek independent legal advice before proceeding. Anyone wishing to set up and run such a scheme is advised to seek their own independent legal advice before proceeding.