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  • Advance notice of major council IT system maintenance from 24 May (for around one week): we are carrying out planned essential maintenance work on the council’s IT systems. During this time, the majority of our online services will be unavailable. Where relevant, planning consultations will be extended by 14 days. We will update this banner message as the work progresses. − During this time you can still contact us for other enquiries via our enquiry form or by phone. We apologise for any inconvenience. Find out more information on this work.

About gambling licences

About gambling licences

We’re responsible for licensing premises in South Oxfordshire where gambling takes place, and registering small society lotteries. To find out more about the various authorisations please see:

When deciding whether to issue a gambling licence or permit, we follow guidance from the Gambling Commission, our gambling policy and the three licensing objectives from the Gambling Act 2005:

  • keeping gambling crime free
  • making sure that gambling is fair and open
  • protecting children and vulnerable adults

You may also wish to refer to our Local Area Profile.

Please see our fees and charges page for the current cost of each licence or permit. To apply, please click on the required authorisation above. Download and complete an application form, and send it to the address below with the relevant fee.

For details on how we use data relating to licence holders and applicants, please see our privacy notice for licence holders and applicants.

For details on how we use data relating to complainants and those making representations against a licence application, please see our privacy notice for complainants and objectors.

The Gambling Commission issues operating and personal licences, as well as those for regulating gambling via the internet, phone, TV, or computer. More information can be found on the Gambling Commission website.

Statement of gambling policy

Our current gambling policy was adopted by Council on 12 December 2024 and took effect from 31 January 2025.

Contact us - Licensing

01235 422556
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)

South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE