The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 makes it an offence for bookmaking to be carried on on any betting track unless the occupier of the track is the holder of a track betting licence. Section 6 of the Act permits bookmaking to take place on a track for up to eight days per year (beginning with July 1) without the need to obtain a licence.

Licences remain in force for seven years and the fee is payable annually in advance.