Twenty percent limit takes effect for category B machines in newer AGC and bingo premises

Changes to the limits for newer AGC and bingo premises, announced nearly three years ago by the Department for Culture Media and Sport come into effect on 1 April 2014.

From 1 April 2014 the maximum permitted number of B3 and B4 gaming machines sited on an AGC or bingo premises licences granted after 13 July 2011 is limited to 20% of the total number of gaming machines made available for use.

For example, an AGC premises with a total of 25 gaming machines available for use can make five or less category B3 gaming machines available on that premises.

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

The Department for Culture Media and Sport first announced these changes in July 2011. Licensed operators who remain 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.

Notes to editors

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. Subject to these overriding public protection objectives, as regulator of the National Lottery the Commission monitors and challenges Camelot to raise the maximum amount for good causes. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain. 
2. The Commission and local licensing authorities are responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than spread betting, which is the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
3. See the Terms & Conditions section of our website for information on legal advice.
4. Further information on gaming machine entitlements is available on our website.
5. At the time the change was announced in 2011 DCMS has, jointly with the Gambling Commission, issued advice in the form of a question and answer document.

For further information please contact our press office on (0121) 230 6700 or email communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.