Ealing Council has launched a public consultation on how gambling premises are regulated across the borough, urging residents, community groups and businesses to give their views before the consultation closes on 22 March 2026.
The consultation centres on a draft Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026, which sets out how Ealing Council, acting under the Gambling Act 2005, will determine applications for premises including betting shops, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres.
Under the Act, decisions must be guided by three statutory objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring it is conducted in a fair and open way, and protecting children and other vulnerable people from harm or exploitation.
There are 148 licensed gambling premises across Ealing, including 12 adult gaming centres, 48 betting shops, 77 alcohol-licensed premises with machines and 11 clubs with machines. The distribution is highly concentrated around the borough’s main town centres, particularly Ealing and West Ealing (24 premises), Acton (13), Southall (11), Greenford (11) and Hanwell (7).
A newly developed local area profile is intended to flag neighbourhoods considered at heightened risk of gambling-related harm, with applicants expected to submit detailed local risk assessments. The draft also maintains Ealing’s long-standing “no casino” resolution.
To take part in the consultation, click here.
