Gaming machines reminder for fairground operators
17 March 2016
Fairground operators are being reminded that they must follow the rules for buying, maintaining and operating gaming machines.
he reminder comes as the forthcoming Easter break signals the start of the traditional summer season for fairground operators and subsequent compliance checks conducted by local licensing authorities.
Low-stake (category D) fruit machines can be made available at fairgrounds along with coin pushers and crane grab machines, 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 Gambling Commission 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 (opens in new tab) is available on the Commission’s website or ordered for free by calling 0121 230 6666. The website also includes the details of those stakes and prizes (opens in new tab) for category D machines.
Richard Watson, Gambling Commission programme director of Enforcement and Intelligence, said: “Our quick guide clearly sets out what types of gaming machine are allowed and who can work with them. It’s effectively the do's and don’ts for fairground operators offering gaming machines.
“We would suggest fairground operators look at the leaflet and our website (opens in new tab) to make sure they are operating legally.”
Note to editors
- More information about how we regulate the gambling industry.
- Useful statistics on the gambling industry.
- More information on prevention of money-laundering.
For all media enquiries, please contact the Gambling Commission press office.