Barking and Dagenham Council is inviting residents, local businesses and community stakeholders to share their views on its proposed revised Gambling Policy for 2026 to 2029.

The consultation will help shape how gambling premises are licensed and regulated across the borough over the next three years, ensuring the policy reflects the needs of local communities, whilst meeting national licensing law requirements.

The Gambling Policy sets out how the council will make decisions on applications relating to gambling premises, including betting shops, bingo halls and adult gaming centres. It also outlines how the council will approach promoting safe and responsible gambling, protecting vulnerable residents, and supporting the national licensing objectives.

The updated draft policy continues to support the three key licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being associated with crime and disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Gambling can support the local economy and provide entertainment opportunities, but excessive gambling can lead to financial, health and social harms. The Council wants to ensure the policy strikes the right balance between supporting lawful gambling and protecting residents from harm.

The council is encouraging anyone who lives, works, or studies in Barking and Dagenham, or who owns or manages a local business, to take part in the consultation.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "We want to ensure our Gambling Policy reflects the needs, experiences and priorities of local people. As a council, we have a responsibility to support safe and well-regulated gambling whilst doing everything we can to protect residents, particularly children and vulnerable people, from gambling-related harm."

"This consultation is an opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape how we approach gambling regulation in Barking and Dagenham over the next three years. I would encourage everyone with an interest to share their views.”

The consultation closes on Monday 24 August 2026 and residents can take part in the consultation via the One Borough Voice engagement platform.