Gambling policy review underway

Orkney Islands Council is currently reviewing its ‘Statement of Gambling Policy’ which sets out how applications for gaming and gambling machines and premises are considered locally.

Gambling applications in the county are considered by the Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board.

The revised statement was considered at a Board meeting last month and is now being provided to key stakeholders including local emergency services, the Orkney Partnership, the Gambling Commission, third sector organisations, and holders of club gaming machine permits.

The Board would also welcome comments on the revised policy from members of the Orkney public.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, all Licensing Boards in Scotland must review their Policy at least every three years and ensure it promotes the three licensing objectives specified in the Act, which are:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime.
• Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

In Orkney there are currently:

• Club machine permits: three.
• Notifications of automatic entitlement for gaming machines on alcohol licensed premises: 10.
• Small society lotteries: 125.

A copy of the full report, including the Board’s draft revised Policy, is available online.

Paper copies are available on request by contacting 01856 873535 extension 2229 (voicemail available) or by e-mail.

Responses must be received in writing by 27 August 2021 by email or by post to The Clerk to the Licensing Board, Council Offices, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1NY.