Government plans stronger local powers over gambling venues

Source: Prime Minister’s Office,11 August 2026 and ADPH, 19 August 2026

The Government has announced plans to give councils and communities greater control over their high streets, including the power to decide whether new betting shops, adult gaming centres and vape shops can open in their area. The proposals include scrapping the Gambling Act’s “Aim to Permit” rule, which currently limits councils’ ability to refuse new gambling premises, and introducing planning permission requirements for betting shops, gaming centres and vape retailers. The changes are intended to help tackle the concentration of these businesses in some communities, particularly in deprived areas, while giving local people a stronger voice in shaping their town centres. The Government is also proposing tougher powers to close premises linked to organised crime and support councils to improve high street environments.

The Government’s plans to give councils and communities greater influence over their high streets, including decision making power over whether new betting shops can open in their area, are a much needed step in the right direction to putting our communities’ health and wellbeing above industry profits.

Proposals to remove the “Aim to Permit” rule, which currently limits councils ability to fully regulate betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops opening in their area, from the Gambling Act, have been particularly welcomed by Directors of Public Health.

Across the UK, around 1.4 million people are experiencing gambling harm, with a further 1.6 million ‘at risk’ of experiencing harm.