DCMS implements B3 gaming machines changes

Press release

Date: 13 July 2011

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has today implemented an increase in stake for B3 gaming machines to £2 and has changed the number of B3 gaming machines permitted in adult gaming centres (AGC) and bingo premises.

As of today, AGC and bingo premises are entitled to make available a number of Category B gaming machines not exceeding 20% of the total number of gaming machines which are available for use on the premises.

Licensed AGC and bingo premises in existence before 13 July 2011 are entitled to make available four (AGCs) or eight (bingo) category B gaming machines, or 20% of the total number of gaming machines, whichever is the greater.   

AGC and bingo premises licences granted on or after 13 July 2011 but before 1 April 2014 are entitled to a maximum of four or eight category B gaming machines or 20% of the total number of gaming machines, whichever is the greater; from 1 April 2014 these premises will be entitled to 20% of the total number of gaming machines only. 

Operators who choose to make material changes to their existing licensed premises in order take advantage of the 20% requirement may need to apply to their local authority for a licence variation. Licensed operators who are in any doubt about whether alterations to their premises will require a variation to their premises licence should speak to their licensing authority before proceeding.

To assist the industry and licensing authorities in implementing the change, DCMS has, jointly with the Gambling Commission, issued advice in the form of a question and answer document.

 

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.
  4. 4. DCMS website question and answer document.     

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.