Gaming Machines

Small casinos must have at least one gaming table to qualify for gaming machines, and are permitted two machines (of category B, C or D) for each gaming table available for use. Small casinos need 40 gaming tables available for use to qualify for the maximum 80 machines.

The holder of a bingo premises licence may make available for use any number of category C and D machines. The premises licence holder may also offer a number of category B gaming machines not exceeding 20% of the total number of gaming machines available for use on the premises. Regulations state that category B machines at bingo premises are restricted to sub-category B3 and B4 machines.

The holder of a betting premises licence may make available for use up to four gaming machines of category B, C or D. By virtue of section 172(9) this permission extends to tracks, but only those where the licence holder also holds a pool betting operating licence. Regulations state that category B machines at betting premises are restricted to sub-category B2, B3 and B4 machines.

The holder of an adult gaming centre premises licence may make available for use any number of category C and D machines. The premises licence holder may also offer a number of category B gaming machines not exceeding 20% of the total number of gaming machines available for use on the premises. Regulations state that category B machines at adult gaming centres are restricted to sub-category B3 and B4.

The holder of a family entertainment centre premises licence may make available for use any number of category C and D machines. However category C machines must be in a separate area to ensure the segregation and supervision of machines that may only be played by adults.

The holder of a family entertainment centre gaming machine permit may make available for use any number of category D machines. As with the position on licences, there is no power for the licensing authority to set a limit on the number of machines under the permit.

The fee for a permit is £300.00.

The holder of a club gaming permit or club machine permit may make available for use on premises operated by a members' club, a commercial club or a miners' welfare institute, up to three machines of category B, C or D . As well as clubs with alcohol licences, premises that are not licensed to sell alcohol, for example works premises which operate membership-based social clubs, are able to apply for a club gaming permit. They need to have 25 members, be permanently established and be for the benefit of the members.

Regulations state that category B machines for club machines permits are restricted to sub-category B3A or B4 machines, depending on the class of club. Commercial clubs are restricted to B4 machines whereas members' clubs and miners' welfare institutes may site sub-category B3A machines.

The fee is £200 or £100 if the applicant is an existing permit holder.

In such qualifying premises there is an automatic entitlement to two gaming machines of category C or D, subject to notifying the licensing authority, paying the prescribed fee (£50) and complying with any relevant code of practice issued by the Commission. In addition, in accordance with the Act, an application may be made for a licensed premises gaming machines permit, which allows for further category C or D machines to be made available in alcohol-licensed premises. There is no limit in the Act to the number of additional machines that may be authorised. This will be a matter for the licensing authority to determine in each case, and specify on the permit.

The fee is £150 or £100 if the application is made by an existing operator.

Gaming machines were available in premises such as take away food shops and taxi offices, and other un-licensed premises where children could play them unsupervised. Under the Gambling Act 2005 gaming machines will no longer be available in these premises.