Category C and complex D technical standards update

Press release

Date: 8 November 2011

The Commission recently consulted on amendments to the technical standards applicable to category C gaming machines. The amendments relate to speed of play, live jackpots and game links. 

The results of the consultation are detailed in the response document. The amendments were subject to EC notification, for which a standstill period of 12 weeks was required before the amendments could become effective. This period expired on 7 November 2011. The amendments are therefore effective from 8 November 2011.

Following feedback from industry, additional guidance has been provided to clarify the amendments to section 5.14 (game links).

It is expected that the amendments will increase the attractiveness of category C gaming machines without compromising the licensing objectives. The Commission expects that these amendments will hasten the removal of legacy machines and to this end will be monitoring the number of legacy machines via the regulatory returns process. 

The Commission is currently considering the necessity of splitting the combined standards for categories C and complex D into separate standards documents, and consolidating the standards and supplements.

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. See the Terms & Conditions section of our website for information on legal advice.     

Further information

  1. Further information is available from the Commission's website. Gambling Commission: John Travers on (0121) 230 6700 or communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.