Gambling policy consultation opens in West Suffolk

02 Aug 2024

West Suffolk Council has opened a consultation on the renewal of its licensing policy for managing gambling establishments.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, the council is responsible for the licensing of gambling establishments in West Suffolk. 

While councils don’t currently have powers to refuse applications based on the proliferation of gambling establishments, they can refuse them opening in certain locations such as next to or near a school or another venue helping people who are deemed vulnerable.

Councils also have powers to review and revoke licences if it can be demonstrated that the betting establishment is directly involved with an increase in crime, or that children are being allowed to bet or other vulnerable adults are being exploited.

The council does not, however, hold any powers to control online betting where most bets are now made.

Councils are required to review its gambling policy every three years. West Suffolk must be reviewed and renewed by January next year.

While there have been no major changes to the policy, the council has updated data under its Local Area Profile (LAP) which is used to help make decisions on any new applications that the council may receive.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “Responsible betting does have a place in our society. Many of us place a regular bet on things such as the National Lottery and that in turn has a charitable fund which has contributed to and benefitted a huge number of projects benefitting communities in the area. Equally betting is a huge part of the horseracing industry in and around Newmarket which in turn employs thousands and contributes millions to the local economy.

“But as with many things it can be addictive and it is right that councils such as West Suffolk, alongside the regulation carried out by the Gambling Commission, have powers to protect vulnerable people as best they can.

“While there were fundamental changes to gambling regulation proposed in a government white paper in April 2023, there’s no timetable for when this may be debated in parliament and any changes will come into effect. For that reason, we are consulting on our policy renewal now, but the council will review, update and reconsult if and when any national changes are made.” 

The West Suffolk Council consultation on its Gambling Policy Statement will run from 2 August to 30 August. Details on the policy, the LAP, the council’s powers and responsibilities for governing gambling, and how people can respond to the consultation, can be found on the council’s consultations webpages.

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