Residents Asked to Weigh In on Bolton’s New Gambling Rules

_{Council reviews its gambling policy. (Image: Andrew Sadler/Alamy)}

Bolton Council is asking residents and businesses to weigh in on proposed changes to its Gambling Policy, as part of its regular three-year review under the Gambling Act 2005.

The draft updates focus on addressing gambling-related harm, particularly through a public health lens. Other changes include revisions to local risk assessments, updates to the local area profile, and minor amendments to align with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s regional Statement of Principles.

The consultation is part of Bolton Council’s statutory duty to regulate gambling within the borough. It covers licensing for premises such as casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, and arcades, ensuring operators meet national legal standards and promote responsible gambling.

Under the Gambling Act, councils can influence where gambling premises are located and impose conditions to mitigate potential harms, such as proximity to schools or addiction support centres.

Council Emphasises Transparency and Public Input

Cllr Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Licensing, stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping the updated policy.

“It’s important we give residents and businesses the opportunity to comment on any proposed changes to a policy,” Khurram said.

 “I encourage everyone within an interest in this area to take part in the consultation.” 

Responses will be accepted by email until Wednesday, 31 December. Feedback will help shape the final policy due for adoption in early 2026.

Policy Aligns with Regional and National Strategy

The draft policy integrates principles from Greater Manchester’s public health-led approach to gambling regulation. This regional framework calls on councils to use licensing powers to reduce gambling-related harm and protect vulnerable populations.

According to Public Health England, an estimated 0.5% of the adult population in England are problem gamblers, with a further 3.8% considered at risk. Local authorities, including Bolton, are increasingly viewing gambling as a public health issue.