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Gambling licensing
Gambling in Orkney is regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. The Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board is the local licensing authority.
Betting and bookmaking
Betting offices and bookmakers need both a premises licence from us and an operating licence from the Gambling Commission. You can only apply for a premises licence if you have the right to occupy the premises and hold, or have applied for, the relevant operating licence.
Bingo
Organisations can run bingo or other gaming for charitable or other non-commercial purposes, such as raising funds for a society, under the Gambling Act 2005.
This is only allowed if none of the proceeds are for private profit or gain, and the event is organised:
- by or on behalf of a charity or for charitable purposes, or
- to enable participation in, or support, sporting, athletic or cultural activities
Documents you may need:
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Bingo Fact Sheet
This document contains guidance from Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board on playing bingo under the Gambling Act 2005. It explains rules for bingo raising money for good causes, including prize and equal chance gaming, as well as commercial cash bingo, prize bingo, club bingo and pub bingo. It outlines fees, prize limits, age restrictions and when licences are needed, and notes that the guidance isn't legal advice.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Gaming machines
Gaming machines are regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. Machines fall into different categories depending on their stakes and prizes.
Amusement arcades and family entertainment centres
- Licensed family entertainment centres providing category C and D machines need a premises licence.
- Unlicensed family entertainment centres providing category D machines only are regulated through a gaming machine permit.
Alcohol licensed premises
If you'll have no more than 2 gaming machines (category C or D), you can notify us of automatic entitlement. If you'll have more than 2 machines, you must apply to us for a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
Clubs
Clubs can apply for a club machine permit, covering categories B3A to D.
Documents you may need:
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Gaming Machine Categories
This document contains a handy table showing the maximum stakes and prizes allowed for different types of gaming machines. It lists categories ranging from A to D, including specific limits for money and non-money prizes. Because these limits can change over time, it's a good idea to check the Gambling Commission website at www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk for the latest information.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Gambling Act 2005 Public Register
This document contains details from the Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board public register under the Gambling Act 2005. It lists 11 local venues, including hotels and inns across Kirkwall, Stromness, St Margaret's Hope, and Burray, along with their licenceholders. The records show notifications for two gaming machines at nine locations, a permit for 12 category D machines at Lanes in Kirkwall, and a club machine permit expiry date of 5 August 2032 for the Royal British Legion.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Lotteries
Lotteries have their own registration process and rules.