Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Plans to modify regulations for high street slot machine establishments have been put on hold, largely due to ongoing concerns regarding the safeguarding of at-risk customers within the industry.
It had been anticipated that the government would permit adult gaming centres (AGCs), which typically offer round-the-clock slot machine access, to introduce a greater number of higher-stakes gaming machines.
However, this decision marks a significant halt for the expanding AGC sector, which has expressed its disappointment, labeling the outcome as frustrating. The anticipated easing of restrictions will not take place this year and may potentially be abandoned altogether.
Current regulations, known as the “80/20 rule,” stipulate that no more than 20% of the gaming machines in arcade and bingo operations can fall into category B3, a classification for slot machines allowing stakes of up to £2, with potential rewards of up to £500.
The remaining 80% must consist of category C or D machines, which limit stakes to £1 and offer the highest jackpots of £100.
Operators in the terrestrial gaming sector argue that these restrictions hinder their growth opportunities, as many customers prefer higher-stakes gaming, rendering lower-stakes machines a drain on space and resources.
Previously, the Conservative government’s preparations aimed to amend these regulations as part of a broader regulatory reform introduced in a 2023 gambling white paper, which imposed stricter measures on online gaming operators while seemingly favoring high street establishments.
In May of the prior year, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) had hinted at possibly adopting a new 50/50 ratio or potentially discarding the 80/20 rule altogether.
However, in correspondence shared with the Guardian, DCMS officials indicated that no amendments to the 80/20 rule would be implemented this year.
While they left the door open for future consideration of these modifications, they acknowledged the heightened concerns regarding the protections available for vulnerable individuals who visit adult gaming centres.
Earlier this year, the gambling regulator imposed a nearly £100,000 fine on Merkur, a slot machine company, following revelations that employees allegedly took advantage of a vulnerable cancer patient.
Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the Conservative Party and chair of a parliamentary group investigating gambling addiction, commented that without adequate protections for patrons in these venues and in light of the inherently addictive nature of these machines, any increase in their numbers should be categorically denied. He also emphasized the need for urgent scrutiny of the ongoing regulatory breaches prevalent among AGCs growing in urban areas.
John Bollom, president of Bacta, an arcade trade organization, expressed frustration over the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 80/20 rule. He highlighted that it was a crucial aspect of modernization efforts proposed in the gambling white paper. Despite the setback, he expressed optimism that the issue would eventually receive the attention it merits, characterizing the proposed reform as logical, safe for users, and beneficial for high street businesses struggling during this period.
Bacta has reiterated that its members commit to maintaining the highest standards of player safety.
Labour MP Beccy Cooper welcomed the government’s decision to delay changes and called for more robust measures to limit AGCs. She urged that local councils should be empowered to regulate the volume of gambling establishments in their communities as a means of mitigating gambling-related harms.
Efforts to obtain a statement from DCMS regarding this matter are ongoing.
Source
www.theguardian.com