Licensing

Gaming Machines

Amusements with prizes

Under the Gaming Act 1968, a permit is needed for premises that provide amusements with prizes by way of gaming machines, including amusement arcades.

The type of machines under our control are the small payment 'fruit' machines normally found in amusement arcades.

Applying for a permit

When applying for Permits for gaming machines the following rules apply:

Permits for gaming machines in Casinos should be referred to as Gaming Board
Permits for gaming machines in Liquor Licences should be referred to as Local Magistrates Court
Permits for gaming machines in Betting Offices should be referred to as Local Magistrates Court

Rules applying to permits

The type of machines that permits issued by us are for machines that have a maximum charge of 30p per play and pay out a maximum of £5 in cash or £8 in a combination of cash and tokens or other non-cash prize.

Machine permits currently cost £32 for 3 years from the date of issue. They are granted to the lawful occupier of the premises at the time of application, and though renewable they are not transferable.

Should the permit holder leave the premises, the new owner has to apply for a GRANT of a permit that expires 3 years from date of issue.

Where the permit holder applies to renew the permit at least 1 month before it is due to expire, the permit remains valid until the renewal application has been granted or refused.

There is no minimum age for playing gaming machines but the majority of premises will not allow persons under 18 years of age to play them.

Gaming Machines should only be supplied by companies authorised by the Gaming Board. For a list of up to date suppliers, please contact the Gaming Board on 020 7306 6212.

Copies of the Gaming Act 1968 can be purchased from the Office of Public Sector Information website.

Fees

Permits for amusement arcades cost £250 for 3 years. They can have all cash machines paying out a maximum of £25. If there is a mixture of amusements with prizes and all cash machines, they must be separated so that persons under 18 years cannot play the all cash machines. In practice, operators of amusement arcades do not admit anyone under 18 years of age.