Tower Hamlets Council has adopted a revised Gambling Policy for 2025-2028, aiming to regulate gambling activities while protecting vulnerable individuals. The policy will take effect from 15 December 2025.
The decision was made at a Council meeting on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, where councillors reviewed and approved the updated policy. A key aspect of the revised policy is the continuation of the council's existing 'no casino' resolution, which is permitted under Section 166 of the Gambling Act 2005. This decision follows a consultation with residents and businesses to seek their views, and was initially made by the Full Council on 18th September 2013 and has been reaffirmed in subsequent revisions.
The revised Gambling Policy 2025-2028 includes several updates, such as:
- Placing an expectation on licence holders to implement a 'Think 25' age verification policy.
- Updates to references to the Tower Hamlets Plan.
- Incorporating changes to the Gambling Commission Guidance to Local Authorities and the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
The revised gambling policy replaces paragraphs 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 with new text referencing the A Tower Hamlets for All: Our Partnership Plan 2023-2028
. The new text details the plan's vision, goal, and five calls to action. The document also includes a link to the plan: A Tower Hamlets for All: Our Partnership Plan 2023-2028.
To ensure compliance with the updated Gambling Commission Guidance and Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), the council is incorporating changes to the guidance within the revised gambling policy. Specific updates include:
- Adding data produced in compliance with the Guidance to operators for age verification test purchasing (non-remote).
- Adding that the Licensing authority will follow the Gambling Commission's guidance in relation to gaming machines being available for use.
- Adding that the authority will expect licence holders for bingo premises to operate a
think 25
age verification scheme, and strictly adhere to the accepted identification detailed in the Social Responsibility Code.
The council consulted with various stakeholders during the policy review process, including the Metropolitan Police Service, gambling operators, and community representatives. Public Health also responded to the consultation, expressing support for the reviewed policy. The Public Health's Response to the Gambling Policy Consultation made several recommendations, including restricting betting shops in areas of clustering and protecting staff through risk assessments. While the council could not incorporate all recommendations directly into the policy due to statutory limitations, it intends to work with Public Health to strengthen local area profiles.
The Equality Impact Analysis Screening for the policy review found no significant risks of disproportionate adverse impacts on any protected groups.
The council aims to balance regulating gambling activities with ensuring community safety and protecting vulnerable individuals.
