The Commission says that to keep up with increasing demand and to make best use of resources, Licensing is making changes to the way it operates. Licensing is moving away from the current model, where each operator has a dedicated account manager. This means that operators will no longer have an individual point of contact. Licensing will comprise of four sub-groups, each of which will be responsible for different areas of work. These are:

1. the Operating Licence New Group: responsible for processing applications for new operator licences;
2. the Change of Corporate Control Group: responsible for processing applications relating to changes of ownership and control for existing operators;
3. the Operating Licence Vary Group: responsible for processing applications relating to changes to existing operator licences; and
4. the Personal Licence group: responsible for processing all applications relating to personal licences.

The Commission says that these changes have been made to make the best use of its resources. By working in this way, Licensing hopes to be able to process applications more quickly and resolve queries more efficiently and effectively.

The way in which applications should be submitted has not changed. Where an online service exists, applications must be made online (see the Digital Services section of the Commission’s website). For applications where an online service does not exist, these must be made by email to licensing@gamblingcommission.gov.uk. Licensing will no longer accept applications by post.

Once an application has been allocated to a caseworker, they will email the applicant with their contact details and provide an estimated timescale for determination. If this timescale changes, the caseworker will let the applicant know. If an application has not yet been assigned to a caseworker, queries should be directed to licensing@gamblingcommission.gov.uk. To read the Commission’s press release in full, click here.