Club gaming and club machine permits

If you are a club and wish to offer gambling to your customers, you must have either a Club Machine Permit or a Club Gaming Permit.

Information about each permit and the differences between them are available on the Gambling Commission Website.

Club types

There are two types of clubs that can apply for these licences. These are members clubs and commercial clubs.

To qualify as a members club, you must:

have a minimum of 25 members
have a primary purpose that isn't gambling
be controlled by the members of the club
not make a commercial profit

Examples of members clubs include:

most sports clubs
working men's clubs
branches of the Royal British Legion
politically affiliated clubs

Clubs used mainly by children do not qualify as a members club.

To qualify as a commercial club, you must:

have a minimum of 25 members
have a primary purpose that isn't gambling
be controlled by the members of the club

Commercial clubs are allowed to make a commercial profit.

Examples of commercial clubs include:

snooker clubs
bridge and whist clubs if they make a commercial profit

Apply for a club gaming or club machine permit

To apply for a permit, you must:

A club machine permit or club gaming permit lasts for ten years, unless it is granted under the fast-track procedure.

Apply using the fast-track procedure

If you have currently hold a Club Premises Certificate, you can apply for a permit under the fast-track procedure.

If you apply using the fast-track procedure, you will pay less to renew your permit. Your permit will also be valid until it is revoked, lapsed or is surrendered.

To apply for a fast-track permit, you must: