This note provides information for operators of adult gaming centres who may be considering the conversion of all or part of their venue to bingo premises.

Adult gaming centres are allowed to provide:

• Prize Gaming
• 4 category B gaming machines
• Unlimited category C and D gaming machines

Bingo premises are allowed to provide:

• Games of bingo for unlimited cash or other prizes and unlimited stakes
• Bingo played using paper and/or electronic tickets or by machine
• Prize gaming
• 8 category B gaming machines
• Unlimited category C or D gaming machines
• Alcohol and Entertainment

Hence many operators are amending their licences to include bingo as a permitted activity.

In order to convert all or part of an existing adult gaming centre into bingo premises it will be necessary to take the following steps:-

• Consult the local council to see if planning permission is required
• Apply to the Gambling Commission to add bingo to the existing Operating Licence
• Consider the need to apply to the Gambling Commission for a Personal Management Licence
• Apply to the local council for a Bingo Premises Licence

A Premises Licence and at least one Personal Licence granted under the Licensing Act 2003 will be required if alcohol and entertainment are to be provided.

When dealing with an application for a Bingo Premises Licence the Gambling Commission has asked local councils to consider the following:-

• Bingo should be the primary gambling activity so that games of bingo must be offered (not necessarily at all times) in bingo premises which should not be used simply to provide gaming machines. We can provide guidance as to what is required to satisfy this requirement.
• Where an existing adult gaming centre is being sub-divided to create adjoining premises each licensed area should be capable of being identified as separate premises with no direct access where applicable.

All premises must be considered on their own merits and each of the above points will need a more detailed examination. The benefits of providing licensed bingo are obvious, but it is important to do it the correct way and to comply with the Gambling Commission"s conditions. We can provide help with this.

For further advice and assistance contact David Lucas, head of Licensing, on 0115 959 7139 or email dlucas@fraserbrown.com.