Where there is betting on a track on 8 days or less in a calendar year, betting may be permitted by an occasional use notice without the need for a full premises licence.

The intention behind occasional use notices is to permit licensed betting operators (with appropriate permission from the Gambling Commission) to use tracks for short periods for conducting betting, where the event upon which the betting is to take place is of a temporary infrequent nature.

The occasional use notice dispenses with the need for a betting premises licence for the track in these circumstances.

Occasional use notices may not be relied upon for more than 8 days in a calendar year.

Procedure

A notice must be served by a person who is responsible for the administration of events on the track or by an occupier of the track.

The notice must be served on the licensing authority and copied to the chief officer of police for the area in which the track is located.

The notice must specify the day on which it has effect. Notices may be given in relation to consecutive days, so long as the overall limit of 8 days is not exceeded in the calendar year.

Provided that the notice will not result in betting facilities being available for more than 8 days in a calendar year, there is no provision for counter notices or objections to be submitted.

The Act does not require the applicant or the authority to notify the Gambling Commission that an occasional use notice has been given.

More information regarding Gambling Act occasional use notices can be found at the Gambling Commission.

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