Gaming machine categories and restrictions
The Gambling Act of 2005:
- classifies gaming machines
- places restrictions on the type and number of machines that may be made available
- places a minimum age of 18 years on players of all but category D machines.
Generally gaming machines are classified according to the maximum stakes and maximum possible prizes.
| Machine category | Maximum stake | Maximum prize | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 18 |
| B1 | £5 | £10,000 or where the prize value available through the use of that machine is or may be linked to use of another sub-category B1 gaming machine situated on the same premises, £20,000. | 18 |
| B2 | £2 | £500 | 18 |
| B3 | £2 | £500 | 18 |
| B3A | £2 | £500 | 18 |
| B4 | £2 | £400 | 18 |
| C | £1 | £100 | 18 |
| D money prize | 10p | £5 | No age limit |
| D non-money prize (crane grab machine) |
£1 | £50 | No age limit |
| D non-money prize (other than a crane grab machine) |
30p | £8 | No age limit |
| D combined money and non-money prize (other than coin pusher or penny falls machine) |
20p | £8 (of which no more than £5 may be a money prize) |
No age limit |
| D combined money and non-money prize (coin pusher or penny falls machine) |
20p | £20 (of which no more than £10 may be a money prize) |
No age limit |
Category A machines explained
Category A machines will only be available at a regional casino and will be the only gaming machines with unlimited stakes and prizes. A regional casino can make up to 1,250 machines available irrespective of the number of gaming tables they provide.
Category B machines explained
- Category B machines are divided into five sub-categories (B1, B2, B3, B3A and B4) according to stake and prizes.
- Category B1 machines may only be available in casinos and have a maximum stake of £5 and a maximum prize of £10,000 or where the prize value available through the use of that machine is or may be linked to use of another sub-category B1 gaming machine situated on the same premises, £20,000.
- Category B2 machines includes gaming machines known as fixed odds betting terminals where the stake and prizes from an individual game can be rolled over into the next game up to a maximum stake of £100 for each game (or £15 each chip) and a maximum prize of £500. These machines will only be available in casinos and licensed betting offices. The licensed betting offices are restricted to making four machines available for use.
- Category B3 machines may only be made available in casinos, bingo premises, betting offices and tracks with pool betting, and adult gaming centres. Bingo premises and adult gaming centres are limited to making four machines available for use. The maximum stake is £2 with a maximum prize of £500.
- Category B3A machines may be made available in casinos, betting offices, bingo premises, adult gaming centres, members' clubs and miners' welfare institutes. The maximum stake is £2 with a maximum prize of £500.
- Category B4 machines will be permitted in casinos, bingo offices, adult gaming centres, members' clubs, commercial clubs and miners' welfare institutes. The maximum stake is £2 with a maximum prize of £400.
Category C machines explained
Category C machines may be made available in all premises other than a family entertainment centre (with a licensing authority permit) or travelling fair. The maximum stake is £1 with maximum prize of £100.
Category D machines explained
Category D machines may be made available in all of the locations where gaming machines of category A, B or C are available. In addition, they may be made available in unlicensed family entertainment centres and travelling fairs. The maximum stake and prize limit varies depending on the type of machine.
| Premises type | Gaming machine allowances |
|---|---|
| Bingo premises | Eight gaming machines category B3 or B4 or combination of both or 20% of the total number of gaming machines, whichever is the greater up to 1st April 2014 Unlimited category C machines Unlimited category D machines |
| Betting premises | Four gaming machines category B2 to D |
| Track betting premises with pool betting licence |
Four gaming machines category B2 to D |
| Adult gaming centre (AGC) | Four gaming machines category B3 to D Unlimited category C machines Unlimited category D machines Offer a number of category B not exceeding 20% of the total number of gaming machines available for use, which ever is the greater up to 1st April 2014 |
| Family entertainment centre with operating licence (FEC) |
Unlimited category C machines Unlimited category D machines |
| Unlicensed family entertainment centre with gaming permit (UFEC) | Unlimited category D machines |
| Members' club | Three gaming machines category B4 to D |
| On sales alcohol licensed premises | Two gaming machines category C to D by notification, or Unlimited category C to D machines with alcohol premises gaming permit |
They may not be installed in places such as taxi offices, chip shops and late night refreshment outlets where the primary business operation is not gambling. You cannot site gaming machines in takeaways, cafes, food shops, minicab and taxi offices, non-arcade and other unlicensed premises.
No person under 18 years old can access any gaming machine other than those in category D.
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