Gambling Act 2005
Councils are updating gambling licensing policies and calling for national law reform to strengthen protections against gambling-related harm.
Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking public input on its revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029, aiming to strengthen protections against gambling-related harm, as discussed in September 2026. The council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed on the updated policy on September 3, 2026. Barnet Council is also preparing to consult the public on its Gambling Statement of Principles for 2027-2030, as reported in June 2026.
Several councils are calling for national gambling law reform to empower local authorities. Greenwich Council formally demanded action in March 2026, advocating for a statutory levy on operators. Kingston, Waltham Forest, and Hounslow councils debated motions to support reforms in late 2025, highlighting concerns about outdated legislation and the need for increased protection against gambling-related harm.
Licensing Sub-Committees in Bexley, Hillingdon, Enfield, Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, and Croydon have recently considered or granted applications for adult gaming centre licences in July and September 2026. Hackney Council established five new Licensing Sub-Committees in June 2026 to handle various licensing applications, including those under the Gambling Act 2005, which is the UK legislation regulating the gambling industry.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking public input on its revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. Source
- Barking and Dagenham's Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed on its updated Gambling Licensing Policy on September 3, 2026. Source
- Hackney Council's Licensing Committee agreed to establish five sub-committees without political balance on June 3, 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Council's Licensing Committee approved increases to gambling licence fees from April 1, 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.