BETTING shops, bingo halls and amusement arcades in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are reminded to apply for licences before new laws are introduced later this year.

From the beginning of September businesses offering gambling services will become the responsibility and be regulated by the Gambling Commission.

In order to operate, individuals and organisations wanting to provide betting, gaming or lottery services will need to submit their applications before Friday, April 27, to be sure of getting continuation rights on existing licences.

There are three categories of licence - operating, personal and premises - and businesses might need all them.

Applications will be assessed on five issues - identity, suitability, criminality, finances and the compliance of businesses and individuals with the licensing objectives.

The commission will also look at how the operator will ensure open and fair gambling, prevent criminal activity, and help protect children and other vulnerable people from being exploited.The changes are a result of the Gambling Act 2005 which will be introduced on Sat-urday, September 1.

Hazel Canter, the commission's director of licensing and compliance, said: "If you provide commercial facilities for gambling in Britain you will have to be licensed by the commission. It is as simple as that. Local bookmakers and other smaller operators may find the new system difficult to manage at first but the application forms and guidance notes are comprehensive. Further information is available on our website and we will help and support operators in the early stages to get it right, particularly those in sectors new to being regulated by us."

Under the new laws, the commission will issue operating and personal licences, while local councils will be responsible for issuing pre-mises licences. Once licensed all operators will be obliged to conduct their business in line with the commission's licence conditions and codes of practice. For more details visit www.gamblingcommission. gov.uk lRead more business stories at www.worcesternews.co.uk