New rules for seaside arcades this summer

Press release

Date: 2 June 2008

The Gambling Commission is reminding seaside arcade operators of their new responsibilities under the Gambling Act 2005 as the summer season steps up a gear following the Whitsun Bank Holiday half-term.

This summer is the first full season in which new laws that were introduced last September, designed to ensure gambling operators operate in a socially responsible manner, apply to gambling operators in seaside resorts.

The Gambling Act brought in the new rules designed to protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling, to keep gambling crime free and fair and open. The rules include requirements to prevent underage gambling and make information readily available to players on how to gamble responsibly and how to access information about, and help in respect of, problem gambling.

The Commission's nationwide team of compliance managers have already been working with local authorities in seaside resorts as Gambling Commission Director of Operations, Nick Tofiluk explained:

"Seaside arcades need to operate within these rules which offer important protections for children and vulnerable people.

"Over the summer the Commission and local authorities will be working together in coastal areas to ensure operators are properly licensed or have permits and are operating in line with the new law that was brought in last year.

"That work is already underway and if operators are in any doubt about the requirements they should contact the Commission without delay." 

Since 1 September 2007 arcade operators can only operate if they are properly licensed to do so. Operators of arcades containing machines with prizes between £35 and £500 must be licensed by both the Gambling Commission and their local licensing authority.  Operators of arcades restricted to machines with stakes set at 30p or lower and cash prizes of £5 or non-cash prizes of £8 or lower require a permit from their local authority.

The Gambling Commission can prosecute those offering gambling illegally and suspend or revoke the licence of any operator who fails to comply with its Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

  1. 1. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.
  2. 2. The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than the National Lottery and spread betting, which are the responsibility of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) respectively.
  3. 3. Full details of the Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice can be found on this website.
  4. 4. The Commission has already conducted co-ordinated visits to resorts on the East Coast in conjunction with East Lindsay District Council in Skegness and Great Yarmouth Borough Council in Great Yarmouth.
  5. 5. No Enforcement cases resulted from the initial visits which found many operators had taken the necessary steps but repeat visits have been necessary in some cases to ensure full compliance with the requirements.
  6. 6. This work on the East Coast is part of a wider programme of activity across Britain which includes other seaside resorts.

Further information

Further information is available from the Commission’s website.

Press office:  John Travers or Laura McCaughey on (0121) 230 6700
Out of hours: (07852) 124624