RESIDENTS of Northwich who fancy a flutter will be reliant on Vale Royal Borough Council from next year.

From January, following the September 2005 launch of the Gambling Act, the authority will carry out licensing functions for gambling activities in place of the local licensing justices.

The new Act will require anyone providing gambling entertainment to apply for new permits and licences and applications will be accepted from January 31, 2007.

Community safeguards lead councillor James Ford said: "I would advise anyone who has gaming machines or provides gambling to get in touch with the council's licensing manager and find out how this new act will affect their organisation."

The Gambling Act applies to casinos, betting offices, racetracks, bingo clubs, adult gaming centres, family entertainment centres and arcades.

Licensed alcohol premises, members clubs, food outlets, taxi booking offices with gaming machines and anyone organising small-scale lottery draws will also be affected.

An operator's licence and personal licence, administered by the newly formed Gambling Commission, will be required for some gambling pursuits.

For further details, call licensing manager Andrew Challinor on 01606 867850.