Gambling Act 2005
Councils are approving adult gaming centre licences despite objections, as some also address gambling harms.
Barnet Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee granted a licence for an adult gaming centre in Edgware in November 2026, despite public health officials stating it represents a higher-risk form of gambling. This follows similar decisions in July 2026, when Enfield Council and Kensington and Chelsea Council also granted new premises licences for adult gaming centres.
Other councils have recently considered applications for adult gaming centres, including Bexley Council in September 2026, and Wandsworth, Croydon, and Brent Councils in June and July 2026. Separately, Barnet Council addressed a declaration of a gambling harms emergency in October 2026.
The Gambling Act 2005 is an Act of Parliament that regulates gambling in the UK, transferring authority for licensing gambling from magistrates' courts to local authorities. It governs the licensing of gambling premises and aims to ensure fairness and protection for vulnerable people.
Key facts
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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 10 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.