Council takes over licensing of gambling

The Gambling Commission will continue to license all gambling operators but the council now has responsibility for issuing licenses to venues including racetracks, betting offices, bingo clubs and family entertainment centres, under the new laws which came into force this month.

Gaming permits have also become the council’s responsible.

The Gambling Act replaces most of the existing laws about gambling in Great Britain and puts in place a more comprehensive structure of gambling regulation including bringing the internet gaming sector into British regulation for the first time.

Mayor Martin Winter said: "The council welcomes this new responsibility and has already issued licenses to almost 80 venues.

“We will ensure all licenses are issued in line with our new policy aims, namely preventing gambling being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way and protecting children and vulnerable residents from being harmed or exploited by gambling.”

Doncaster Council's Gambling Licensing Policy has already been agreed by the full council.

Residents were asked to comment on the policy before it was agreed and now it has been approved it will be in force for three years. The policy can be reviewed at any time says the authority