Councils in Great Britain could gain more control over betting shops and other gambling venues if the Government removes the Gambling Act 2005's "aim to permit" principle.

Gambling Minister Vicky Foxcroft said a consultation would begin "very shortly" during a panel discussion reported by the Institute of Licensing on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

No consultation document has been published. The Government has not announced an effective date.

The proposed review could change how councils weigh local concerns, but the existing licensing test remains in force.

What the rule does now

The "aim to permit" principle requires licensing authorities to approach gambling premises applications on the basis that they should be allowed when they comply with the licensing objectives, official guidance and the council's policy.

The Gambling Commission says councils must assess applications on their individual merits. They cannot reject a proposal simply because residents dislike gambling, believe there is no demand or think an area already has too many betting shops.

Betting shops, bingo halls, casinos and adult gaming centres need premises licences from local authorities. Councils handle these decisions in England and Wales. Licensing boards perform the local role in Scotland.

Why the proposed change matters

Removing the statutory presumption would give councils more room to consider local conditions before approving new gambling premises. The change could be significant in high streets where betting shops or gaming venues are already concentrated.

The Government announced the intended change on 11 August 2026 as part of its high-street policy. Ministers said the reform would give communities and councils a stronger say over whether new betting shops are suitable for their area.

The proposal comes alongside a separate reform. Section 87 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 creates gambling impact assessments.

These assessments would allow licensing authorities to identify areas where additional premises could risk undermining the licensing objectives.

The provision has received Royal Assent but is not yet in force. The Government said it expects the assessments to be introduced by the end of 2026, once supporting guidance is ready.

What changes now?

  • The current "aim to permit" rule remains in force.
  • No formal consultation has been published.
  • No effective date has been announced.
  • Existing premises licence applications must still be handled under the Gambling Act 2005 framework.
  • Gambling impact assessments are also awaiting commencement and guidance.

The Institute of Licensing said removing or significantly amending the principle would mark a major shift in gambling licensing policy.

The final effect will depend on the consultation, any legislation and revised statutory guidance. Until those steps are completed, councils must continue using the current licensing test.

Great Britain, not one UK-wide licensing system

The Gambling Act 2005 is the main framework for commercial gambling in Great Britain. Northern Ireland operates under a separate gambling system, so any change to the Great Britain regime would not automatically apply there.

For operators, councils and local residents, the next decisive step is the consultation. Its scope and proposed legal wording will show how much additional discretion ministers intend to give local authorities.