Northumberland County Council opened a public consultation on 9 September 2026 on a revised gambling licensing policy for betting shops, bingo halls, arcades and other gambling premises in the county.

The consultation closes on 16 October 2026. The draft policy would cover 2027 to 2030, but it is not final and must complete the council’s approval process.

What the draft covers

The proposed Statement of Principles would guide decisions on premises licences, permits, temporary notices and small society lottery registrations under the Gambling Act 2005.

The council also proposes a stronger public health focus. It says gambling-related harm can affect finances, housing, employment, relationships, and physical and mental health.

The draft links local licensing decisions to the protection of children and vulnerable people. It also refers to safeguarding, public health, crime reduction and local planning information.

Existing powers, not a new ban

The consultation would update how Northumberland uses its existing licensing powers. It would not give the council a general power to ban gambling premises or control most online gambling.

Local authorities can issue premises licences and permits, attach conditions, review licences and, in some cases, revoke them.

The Gambling Commission remains responsible for operating licences for bookmakers, casinos and online gambling businesses.

The draft retains the statutory “aim to permit” principle. Applications should generally be allowed when they comply with the Gambling Commission’s guidance and codes, the council’s policy and the three licensing objectives:

  • Preventing gambling from causing or supporting crime and disorder.
  • Ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly.
  • Protecting children and vulnerable people from harm or exploitation.

Why the local test matters

The consultation shows how national gambling policy is applied through local licensing decisions in England. Northumberland must operate within the Gambling Act 2005, but it can decide how local evidence, safeguarding concerns and risk information are considered in premises cases.

The draft identifies clusters of gambling premises in parts of the North East. It points to Ashington and Blyth as areas where deprivation and the concentration of gambling premises require closer attention.

Those references provide policy context. They do not amount to a decision to reject a particular application.

The council says it worked with public health, children’s and adult services, planning officials and its Licensing Committee while preparing the draft.

The Licensing Committee is due to consider the initial proposals on 10 September 2026, following Cabinet consideration on 8 September.

What happens next

Residents, businesses, community groups and public bodies can respond during the consultation. The council will then assess the evidence before presenting a revised policy for formal approval.

The existing policy remains in force until that process is complete. The final impact will depend on the wording adopted, how decision-makers apply local risk evidence and whether future national changes alter councils’ powers.