Gambling Policy in Stockport 2025-28

Stockport Council is responsible for licensing various gambling premises in the borough, including casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, and gaming centres. The Council’s Gambling Policy sets out the standards expected, the factors considered in licensing decisions, and the actions taken when issues arise.

By law, the Council must review this policy every three years to ensure it remains current with legislation, best practice, and emerging issues in gambling.

In Stockport and across Greater Manchester, we’re thinking differently about gambling with a shared aim to prevent and reduce the negative impacts of gambling on individuals, families and communities. As part of our innovative public service reform and population health agenda we are working with partners across Stockport and Greater Manchester to ensure that gambling is a safe and enjoyable activity for all who choose to take part. Our priorities are

• Developing our understanding of gambling related harms
• Improving access to high quality treatment and support
• Supporting interventions to prevent gambling from becoming a harmful activity
• Engaging with people and communities to co-design our work

Pending the outcome of the Government’s review of the Gambling Act, and in the absence of any significant changes to national guidance, officers have reviewed the Council’s current Gambling Policy and confirmed that it remains compliant with all relevant statutory requirements. As such, no amendments are proposed at this time, subject to any feedback received through this consultation. We remain committed to undertaking a comprehensive review of the Policy once legislative changes from the Government’s 2023 gambling reform consultation are enacted, ensuring our approach continues to reflect best practice in safeguarding, fairness, and regulatory compliance

To read the full policy please click on the following link:

https://consultation.stockport.gov.uk/policy-performance-and-reform/stockport-gambling-policy/user_uploads/2025-28-statement-of-licensing-principles-1.pdf