When is a prize machine a gaming machine? Gambling Commission publishes its view

Press release

Date: 28 May 2010

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) has today published an advice note which sets out how it assesses whether a particular prize machine is, or is not, a gaming machine. The Commission issued a joint statement with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in December 2009, which set out our views in respect of games presented as recognised games of chance. The advice note does not affect the review of skills with prizes machines and taxation being undertaken by HMRC and HM Treasury.

The Commission is frequently asked whether a particular prize machine is, or is not, a gaming machine. The advice note will be of particular interest to manufacturers and suppliers of machines (particularly skill with prizes machines), and those who make machines available for use. While the advice note sets out the framework which the Commission applies when deciding whether a particular game played on a prize machine amounts to gaming, interpretation of the Act is ultimately a matter for the courts.

The advice note is a working document, which the Commission may update from time to time to reflect developments in the market.

Is a prize machine a gaming machine - July 2010

Further information can be found in the gaming machines section of the Gambling Commission website.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

  1. 1. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest alongside its co-regulators local licensing authorities. 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 and local licensing authorities are 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. This note is separate from and does not affect the review of SWPs and taxation being undertaken by HMRC and HM Treasury, with support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Commission.

Further information

  1. You can call John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852) 124624 or email him via communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.