Barking and Dagenham Council in the UK is moving to tighten its gambling policy, with a focus on protecting areas that experience high deprivation. The proposed changes would affect how gambling premises licences are granted in the borough, signalling a tougher local approach to betting shops and similar venues.
The council intends to revise its gambling policy to prioritise protection for areas with high deprivation. This comes amid broader political pressure on gambling regulation, with the new prime minister Andy Burnham proposing to axe the aim to permit rule for gambling premises in Britain. While national changes are still being debated, local authorities like Barking and Dagenham are taking a harder line where they already have the power to do so.
Across the UK, local councils have historically had limited control over gambling premises, often operating under a ‘aim to permit’ framework that assumes licences should be granted unless there are strong reasons to refuse. However, recent years have seen a shift, with some councils using their licensing powers to impose stricter conditions, such as limiting the number of betting shops in certain areas or requiring additional safeguards. The move by Barking and Dagenham reflects a growing trend of local authorities using their discretion to address social concerns related to gambling.
For players in Barking and Dagenham, the practical impact will depend on how the revised policy is implemented. If you use betting shops or other gambling premises in the borough, you may see fewer new venues opening, and existing ones could face stricter conditions on their licences. However, this change does not affect online gambling accounts or your ability to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos or sportsbooks. It is primarily about the physical premises on the high street.
Watch for the council’s consultation process and the final adoption of the revised policy, which could set a precedent for other local authorities in the UK.