SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
With the approach of Easter next month signalling the start of the traditional summer season for fairground operators, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued a reminder on the rules for buying, maintaining and operating gaming machines at fairgrounds.
The Commission has also reminded local licensing authorities, who run compliance checks on fairgrounds, of the law.
Low-stake (category D) fruit machines can be made available at fairgrounds along with coin pushers, cranes and grabbers, but higher stake gaming machines (category B and C), like those typically played in arcades and pubs, are not permitted. Fairground operators must source all their machines from UKGC licensed suppliers, and all employees working with gaming machines must be at least 18 years old.
An easy to print quick guide to the rules for fairgrounds is available on the UKGC website or ordered for free by calling 0121 230 6666. The website also includes the details of those stakes and prizes for category D machines, which may have changed since the last summer season.
The UKGC’s Head of Regional Enforcement and Compliance, Mike Williams said:
“The Gambling Commission’s quick guide clearly sets out what types of gaming machine are allowed and who can work with them. It’s effectively the dos and don’ts for fairground operators offering gaming machines.
“We would suggest fairground operators look at the leaflet and our website to make sure they are operating legally, as some of the information may have changed from last year.”
