Department for Culture Media and Sport
2. implementing the act
The target for full implementation of the Act is September 2007. We are working with the Gambling Commission, local authorities, problem gambling organisations and the industry to make sure we get implementation of the Act right.
Timetable | Consultations | Recent and forthcoming events | Email updates
The following groups are helping us implement the Act:
- Industry liaison group
To enable industry representatives to reflect on the broader picture and consider issues of sector wide interest, and allow us to report and explain relevant developments in other areas of Government.
- Community liaison group
To consider the overall impact of gambling policy and activities on social issues. This group is composed of DCMS, Gambling Commission, LACORS and Scottish Executive staff, and individuals from across the religion and belief communities, children's voluntary sector, problem gambling organisations and academia.
- Premises licensing group (and associated transition and training and fees groups)
To assist licensing authorities in their preparations for their licensing functions under the Act.
Together with the Scottish Executive we prepared an introductory note on implementation:
Email updates
The Gambling Commission issue regular email updates to which DCMS contribute. If you would like to receive these updates, please register on the Gambling Commission website.
Recent and Forthcoming Events
Summer 2006 – Gambling Commission launch study into prevalence of gambling
Autumn 2006 – International summit on remote gambling hosted by DCMS
Consultations
Have your say in our consultations on many aspects of gambling and the new law. You can also read the contributions to and conclusions of our previous consultations.
Further announcements about implementation will also be published on this website, including detailed plans. Existing legislation on gambling, and arrangements for its licensing and regulation, will continue to have effect.
Timetable
Changes to the Gambling Act 2005 implementation timetable
Following discussions with local authority and industry colleagues, Ministers have made some changes to the implementation timetable for the Gambling Act 2005.
We remain committed to full implementation of the Act by 1 September 2007. However, the date for licensing authorities to receive advance applications for premises licences and for existing operators to apply for continuation rights have been put back by three months each. The new date from which licensing authorities will receive applications for Gambling Act 2005 premises licences will be 30 April 2007. The new deadline for existing operators to receive continuation rights is 31 July 2007.
Further information:
For details of the transitional arrangements in place until full implementation, please see Gambling Law until September 2007.
- June 2006
- Gambling Commission publish guidance for licensing authorities on compliance and enforcement
- January 2007
- Gambling Commission will start to consider applications for operating and personal licences
- Gambling Appeals Tribunal established
- April 2007
- Licensing authorities will accept applications for all licenses and permits
- September 2007
- Old legislation repealed
- Operating, personal and premises licenses and permits come into effect
- Commencement of remaining provisions of the Act, as required

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