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Regulatory Guidelines

Essential information for venues and providers in the gaming industry

Last Updated: March 6, 2025

About This Resource Center

This Regulatory Guideline Repository is provided as an informational resource to help venues and providers understand the regulatory landscape of the gaming machine industry in the UK. While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information, this repository should not be considered legal advice, and all users are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Important: Regulations change frequently. Always verify information with the relevant regulatory authorities and seek professional legal advice for your specific situation.

Key Regulatory Bodies

Gambling Commission

The primary regulatory authority for gambling in Great Britain, responsible for licensing gambling operators and ensuring compliance with gambling laws.

Local Authorities

Local councils manage premises licenses and gaming permits for venues within their jurisdiction.

  • Premises Licenses
  • Gaming Machine Permits
  • Alcohol Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permits

Note: Requirements vary by local authority. Contact your local council for specific information.

Venue Requirements

Licensing Requirements by Venue Type

Venue Type Required Licenses/Permits Machine Categories Allowed Maximum Machines
Pubs (with alcohol license) Automatic entitlement or Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit C and D 2 machines (automatic), more with permit
Members' Clubs Club Machine Permit B3A, B4, C and D 3 machines (combination of categories)
Commercial Clubs Club Machine Permit B4, C and D 3 machines (combination of categories)
Bingo Premises Bingo Premises Licence B3, B4, C and D 20% of total machines can be category B3 or B4
Adult Gaming Centres Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence B3, B4, C and D 20% of total machines can be category B3 or B4
Family Entertainment Centres Family Entertainment Centre Premises Licence C and D Unlimited category C and D

Key Venue Responsibilities

  • Age Verification: Ensuring no one under 18 plays category B and C machines
  • Display Requirements: Posting required notices and information
  • Staff Training: Ensuring staff understand gambling regulations
  • Record Keeping: Maintaining records of machine testing and maintenance
  • Problem Gambling Measures: Implementing responsible gambling policies

Gaming Machine Categories

Gaming machines in the UK are categorized based on maximum stake and prize values:

  • Category A: Currently no machines permitted
  • Category B1: Maximum stake £5, maximum prize £10,000
  • Category B2: Maximum stake £2, maximum prize £500
  • Category B3: Maximum stake £2, maximum prize £500
  • Category B3A: Maximum stake £2, maximum prize £500
  • Category B4: Maximum stake £2, maximum prize £400
  • Category C: Maximum stake £1, maximum prize £100
  • Category D: Maximum stake 10p-£1, maximum prize £5-£50 (varies by machine type)

Provider Requirements

Licensing Requirements for Providers

Providers of gaming machines must hold appropriate operating licenses from the Gambling Commission:

Gaming Machine Technical Operating Licence

Required for businesses that manufacture, supply, install, adapt, maintain or repair gaming machines.

Subcategories:

  • Manufacturer: For those who manufacture gaming machines
  • Supplier: For those who sell, lease, or supply gaming machines
  • Maintenance: For those who maintain or repair gaming machines
  • Software: For those who design or adapt gaming machine software

Gaming Machine General Operating Licence

Required for businesses that make gaming machines available for use by the public.

Types:

  • Adult Gaming Centre Operating Licence
  • Family Entertainment Centre Operating Licence

Technical Standards

All gaming machines must comply with the Gambling Commission's technical standards:

  • Return to player percentages
  • Game fairness requirements
  • Random number generator standards
  • Information display requirements
  • Error conditions and recovery procedures

Key Provider Responsibilities

  • Machine Testing: Ensuring all machines are properly tested by approved test houses
  • Compliance Monitoring: Regular monitoring of machines to ensure ongoing compliance
  • Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of machine installations, movements, and maintenance
  • Software Control: Implementing proper controls for software development and installation
  • Anti-Money Laundering: Implementing procedures to detect and prevent money laundering
  • Social Responsibility: Ensuring machines incorporate responsible gambling features

Personal Management Licences

Certain key individuals within provider organizations must hold Personal Management Licences (PMLs), including:

  • Overall strategy and delivery of gambling operations
  • Financial planning, control and budgeting
  • Marketing and commercial development
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Gambling-related IT provision and security

Common Compliance Issues

Age Verification Failures

Inadequate procedures to prevent underage gambling.

Best Practices:

  • Implement "Challenge 25" policies
  • Regular staff training on age verification
  • Maintain a refusals log
  • Position machines in supervised areas

Machine Category Violations

Having incorrect machine categories for the venue type or exceeding permitted numbers.

Best Practices:

  • Regular audits of machine categories and numbers
  • Clear understanding of permitted categories
  • Maintaining accurate machine inventory

Inadequate Signage

Failure to display required notices and information.

Best Practices:

  • Age restriction notices clearly displayed
  • Machine category information visible on each machine
  • GamCare or other support information available
  • Terms and conditions clearly accessible

Technical Standards Non-Compliance

Machines not meeting required technical standards.

Best Practices:

  • Regular testing by approved test houses
  • Keeping software up to date
  • Maintaining test certificates
  • Implementing a maintenance schedule

Social Responsibility Failures

Inadequate measures to promote responsible gambling.

Best Practices:

  • Staff training on recognizing problem gambling
  • Self-exclusion options available
  • Responsible gambling information prominently displayed
  • Time and money spent awareness features

Recent Regulatory Updates

January 2025

Enhanced Customer Interaction Requirements

New requirements for identifying and interacting with customers who may be at risk of gambling-related harm.

Read More

December 2024

Technical Standards Update

Revised technical standards for gaming machines focusing on enhanced security requirements and responsible gambling features.

Read More

October 2024

Digital Age Verification Guidance

New guidance on acceptable digital methods for age verification in gaming establishments.

Read More

Resources & Tools

Compliance Checklists

Downloadable checklists to help you verify compliance with key regulatory requirements.

Contract Templates

Sample contract templates that cover key regulatory requirements and protections.

Note: These templates should be reviewed by your legal counsel before use.

Training Resources

Educational materials to help train staff on regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Contacts

Key contacts for regulatory inquiries and support.

Need Expert Help?

Professional Consultation Services

While Disrupt Gaming doesn't provide legal or regulatory advice, we partner with industry experts who can help you navigate complex compliance requirements.

Our network includes:

  • Gambling law specialists
  • Compliance consultants
  • Technical standards experts
  • Industry association representatives
Connect with Experts

Disclaimer

The information provided in this Regulatory Guideline Repository is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Disrupt Gaming is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information contained herein. The content of this repository may not reflect the most current legal developments, and regulations change frequently.

Users should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of information provided without first seeking appropriate legal advice specific to their situation from a qualified attorney. Disrupt Gaming explicitly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this repository.