The UK will move forward with plans to reform regulations for physical gambling venues. This will happen after the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) publishes its responses to a consultation on the White Paper proposals.
Increase in machines in gaming rooms in the UK
So, as announced last year, the proposals involve an amendment to the Gaming Act 1968 to increase the number of gaming machines. But only in locations that meet the small casino criteria under the Gambling Act 2005.
The category B gaming machine allowance for small casinos will be increased from 20 to 80 machines per establishment license. A sliding scale will then be applied based on the size of the gambling area, the non-gambling area, and the machine/table ratio.
Therefore, venues that opt to increase the permit will pay the fees set out in the 2005 Gambling Act. But those that opt to maintain the current limit will continue to pay the fees set out in the 1968 Act.
Meanwhile, the government proposes to standardize the ratio of machines to table in casinos at 5 to 1. Site requirements for operating table gaming areas will be reduced from 500 m² to 250 m². There will be exemptions for licenses that remain under the old regime.
Bingos and arcades
Bingo and arcade venues will benefit from a change to the 80/20 ratio to allow “greater commercial flexibility over their category B, C and D gaming machine product offering”.
Either way, debit card payments for gaming machines will become a legal requirement. The government wants to do account verification on every transaction, which will be introduced through secondary legislation. Plus, cash payments only up to £100.
Gambling venues must verify age (18 years or over) when making withdrawals from Category D slot machines. It will be a criminal offense to invite, cause or permit anyone under the age of 18 to use these machines.
Finally, the government will increase the maximum license fees that local authorities in England and Wales can charge for premises by 15%. The increase will be to finance more rigorous inspection.
Licensing authorities requested a 30% increase, while gambling operators asked for 10%. Scotland sets its own rates.
In summary, the arcade trade association expressed optimism that the reforms will be signed into law before the summer recess.
