changes to the Gambling Act will bring new responsibilities to Hambleton District Council from September next year.

The changes transfer premises licensing for casinos, racecourses, betting shops, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres to local authorities. There will also be new rules for permits for gaming machines.

Hambleton councillors have given their approval to a new licensing policy to take the changes forward.

It has been drafted after a three-month consultation, which saw organisations and businesses asked for their opinions.

"Much of the legislation simply sees us take over responsibilities that had been with the local magistrates - in the same way as we took over liquor licensing," said head of legal services Martyn Richards.

"But there are some new rules. For pubs with only two gaming machines or less there will be no need to apply for a licence. We urge all our traders to check out how the Act will affect them."

Advance applications to the council can be made from April.

Hambleton currently has about 20 betting shops, one racecourse in Thirsk and one family entertainment centre - as well as a host of pubs. There are no casinos, bingo halls or adult entertainment centres in the district.