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Fairground operator gaming machine reminder

22 March 2019

Fairground operators are being reminded that they must follow the rules for buying, maintaining and operating gaming machines.

The key points to remember are:

  • low-stake (category D) fruit machines can be made available at fairgrounds along with coin pushers and crane grab machines
  • higher stake gaming machines (category B and C), like those typically played in arcades and pubs, are not permitted
  • fairground operators must source all their machines from Gambling Commission licensed suppliers
  • all employees working with gaming machines must be at least 18 years old.

A quick guide to the rules for fairgrounds is available, as well as details of the stakes and prizes for category D machines.

Note to editors

  1. More information about how we regulate the gambling industry.
  2. Useful statistics on the gambling industry.

Journalists can contact our press office on 0121 230 6700 or email: communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact the Gambling Commission press office.


Last updated: 9 August 2021

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