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This guide provides a quick guide to help you make sure you do not break the law around gaming machines at fairs and fairgrounds.
Published: 1 March 2018
Last updated: 1 November 2021
This version was printed or saved on: 2 May 2024
Online version: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/gaming-machines-at-fairs-and-fairgrounds
Overview: ## What type of machines can be made available at travelling fairs?
Only Category D machines can be made available at travelling fairs. In broad terms Category D machines are low stake fruit machine style machines, coin pushers (sometimes called penny falls) or crane grabs. Category D machines can be identified by their low stakes and prizes as shown in the examples in this guide.
Only a company or an individual with a Gambling Commission operating licence or a valid single machine permit (which only covers one machine for one year) can supply or do any maintenance work on a gaming machine.
You must not sell or supply gaming machines unless you have a Gambling Commission operating licence. In some cases you can sell through a licensed gaming machine supplier or by having a single use permit.
Under 18s are allowed to play Category D machines but they are not permitted to work in connection with any gaming machine – that means every part of working with the machine including even emptying the cash box.
Only Category D machines can be made available at travelling fairs. Other category gaming machines must be located in premises that are licensed by a licensing authority.
The following Category D gaming machines can be made available at travelling fairs.
You must make sure the machine you have does not exceed these stakes.
You must make sure the machine you have does not exceed these stakes.
Crane grab machines are normally defined as category D machines. Further details are available in gaming machine technical standards for non-complex category D gaming machines.