Local Area Profile

The Gambling Commission issued code of practice (under section 24 of the Gambling Act 2005), about providing facilities for gambling ensure that:

• gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• children and other vulnerable people are protected from being harmed or exploited by gambling
• assistance is made available to people who are, or may be, affected by problems related to gambling.

Operators are required to prepare a risk assessment which takes into account the nature and characteristics of the area they are operating in. For example, if there are any schools or churches nearby, or if the business is on a walking route for local schools. The risk assessments can use the local area profile which may have information on reported gambling related problems in the area.

What is the Local area profile?

The local area profile covers the geographic area of Cotswold District Council and has been created to increase awareness of local risks, improve information sharing and a more coordinated response to local risks.

The local area profile will help identify risks that operators need to address in their risk assessments.  The risk assessment should be part of any new licence application, or application to vary a licence. The locality profile maps show the location of existing gambling premises, educational establishments, health services, deprivation and crime rates. We would also encourage you to research the local area to identify centres dealing with vulnerable people.

Local area profile data

The Inform Gloucestershire website has information on deprivation and crime levels.

Crime data and trends area available from 2007.

The local area profile does not form part of any of the licensing authorities ‘Statement of Principles’ under the Gambling Act 2005, but is referred to in them. The local area profile will be regularly reviewed and refreshed in consultation with the responsible authorities identified in the Gambling Act 2005 and other relevant organisations.