The Licensing Committee of Lambeth Council was scheduled to discuss and potentially adopt a new Statement of Gambling Principles for 2026-2029. The meeting's agenda focused on reviewing and updating the council's approach to regulating gambling within the borough, with a particular emphasis on addressing gambling-related harms and local vulnerabilities.

Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2026-2029

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the proposed new Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling, covering the period from 2026 to 2029. This document, required every three years under the Gambling Act 2005, outlines how the council will exercise its licensing functions. The report pack detailed several proposed changes to the existing policy, including updates to reflect legislative changes and recommendations from the Gambling Commission.

Key proposed changes included:

• Encouraging engagement with gambling support groups: Applicants proposing to operate between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM (overnight ) would be encouraged to contact local gambling support groups to identify and mitigate risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals and problem gamblers.
• Removal of the no casino resolution: The council was recommended to remove its existing resolution under section 166 of the Gambling Act 2005 not to issue casino licences. This change was proposed because current legislation under section 175 of the Act prevents any new casino licences from being issued nationally, making the resolution redundant.
• Updated definition of vulnerability: The policy aimed to recognise that vulnerability to gambling-related harm can be shaped by local social and economic conditions and the interaction of multiple risk factors. Examples of potentially vulnerable individuals included young adults, those experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, mental health or substance misuse challenges, and individuals in insecure employment patterns, including night or shift work.
• Inclusion of risk assessment templates: Suggested risk assessment templates for existing licence holders and applicants were to be added to the policy.
• Revisions to Local Area Profile and Gambling Clusters: The Local Area Profile within the policy was updated, leading to revisions in the Gambling Vulnerability Zones. The number of identified Gambling Clusters, areas where three or more gambling premises are located within 400 metres, was reduced from seven to five.
• Incorporation of Public Health data: New data from Public Health regarding gambling-related harms was to be included to provide further context on the local area and potential impacts.
• Pointers from the Metropolitan Police Service: The policy was to include guidance from the Metropolitan Police Service for applicants and existing premises on effective management and crime prevention.

The report pack also outlined the consultation process undertaken for the draft policy, detailing feedback received and how it was considered. It highlighted that the policy aims to promote the three licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and other vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation.

The meeting was scheduled to consider these proposed changes and recommend the draft Statement of Principles 2026-2029 to Full Council for formal adoption. The report pack also included detailed appendices covering the Local Area Profile, a summary of changes, an Equalities Impact Assessment, and consultation responses.