UK to Scrap Rule Favouring New High-Street Betting Shops
United Kingdom.- 12 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The British Government has announced plans to abolish the “Aim to Permit” rule under the Gambling Act 2005, giving local authorities greater powers to decide whether new gambling venues should open in their communities.
The change will apply across England, Scotland and Wales and represents a significant development for the retail betting sector, as councils will no longer be required to lean towards approving new gambling premises licences.
News Details
Under the existing “Aim to Permit” principle, councils have been expected to adopt a broadly permissive approach towards gambling premises applications where operators satisfy the applicable licensing requirements.
Removing the rule will give local authorities greater scope to consider the impact that new gambling venues could have on high streets and surrounding communities.
The reform will apply throughout Great Britain. Northern Ireland will not be affected because it operates under separate gambling legislation.
The Government will also introduce new planning requirements for adult gaming centres (AGCs), venues offering gaming machines and, in some cases, operating around the clock. This element of the reform will apply specifically to England.
Industry Context
The initiative forms part of a wider Government strategy to revitalise British high streets and give councils and communities greater influence over the businesses operating in local commercial areas.
Regulatory data as of 31 March 2025 showed 8,234 gambling premises on British high streets.
These comprised 5,825 betting shops, 1,415 adult gaming centres, 684 bingo halls, 169 family entertainment centres and 141 casinos.
The overall number had fallen by 1.1% year-on-year and was substantially below the 12,207 gambling establishments recorded in 2011.
Statements
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the policy is intended to return greater decision-making power to communities and give local residents a meaningful say over the businesses operating on their high streets.
The Betting and Gaming Council challenged the Government’s approach and rejected suggestions that betting shops are expanding without control.
The trade body pointed out that betting-shop numbers have fallen by more than one-third since 2019, with around 3,000 premises closing and more than 15,000 jobs lost.
The BGC also stressed that betting shops continue to support approximately 37,500 jobs and generate customer footfall that benefits neighbouring businesses.
The Social Market Foundation welcomed the reform, arguing that councils should have greater authority over the development of their own high streets and communities.
Next Steps or Impact
Scrapping “Aim to Permit” could make it more difficult for operators to open new betting shops and give councils greater power to limit the concentration of gambling premises in particular areas.
For retail betting operators, the change creates an additional regulatory challenge at a time of shop closures, rising operating pressures and continued reassessment of physical estates.
The reform could also intensify debate over the future role of betting shops and adult gaming centres on British high streets and the balance between urban regeneration, employment and gambling regulation.
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