Bingo

bingo cardBingo is deemed to be "equal chance gaming". This is defined as gaming where:

  • (a) it does not involve playing or staking against a bank;
  • (b) the chances are equally favourable to all players.

It is immaterial how the bank is described or whether the bank is controlled or administered by a player.

In order to provide bingo as a commercial venture, a Bingo Operating Licence is required from the Gambling Commission and a premises licence is required from the licensing authority.

Conditions may be attached:

  • (a) limiting amounts that may be staked;
  • (b) limiting the amount that may be charged;
  • (c) limiting the amount or value of a prize or class of prize;
  • (d) requiring that at least a specified proportion of stakes be paid out by way of prizes;
  • (e) imposing requirements that are specific to games of bingo played on more than one set of premises.

Bingo may be played in:

Commercial Bingo Clubs where there should be no statutory limits on:

  • (a) stakes and prizes;
  • (b) frequency of multiple bingo games.

The Gambling Commission should approve any new games.

Rollovers would be permitted.

Casinos  -this had not been permitted under previous legislation.

Clubs and Pubs

  • No authorisation is needed under the Gambling Act 2005 unless the bingo offered is "high turnover bingo".
  • High turnover bingo is defined as bingo where the total stakes and prizes in any 7 day period exceed £2,000.
  • The "high turnover period" expires 12 months after the first day of the 7 day period that triggered the period to begin.
  • Any subsequent high turnover period does not result in a new 12 month period beginning.

Gaming Machines in Bingo Premises

Where an operator holds an operating licence and a premises licence for the provision of bingo (commercial clubs and casinos) a maximum of 8 gaming machines of category B3 or B4 may be made available for use. An unlimited number of category C and D machines may be made available for use.

Contact the Licensing Section

Telephone: 01304 872295

E-mail: licensing@dover.gov.uk