UK Government Pauses Plans to Ease Slot Machine Rules

_{Adult gaming centres in the UK are at the centre of the government's paused reform on slot machine regulations. (Image: Robert Evans / Alamy)}

The UK Labour Government has decided to put a hold on the new rules for slot machines, sparking a backlash of frustration from some in the gambling industry and a call for more stringent rules from the anti-gambling lobby.  

It appeared that the government was going to allow adult gaming centres to install high-stakes machines, but it now looks as if the 80/20 rule may not be introduced in 2025.

At present the rules mean that no more than 20% of terminals in arcades and bingo premises can be category B3, a class of slot machine that allows stakes of up to £2, with prizes of up to £500.

Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith said: “Given the insufficient protections in place for people in these venues and the addictive nature of these machines, increasing their numbers should be ruled out entirely and the current widespread breaches of regulations by AGCs, which are now proliferating on our high streets, must be urgently looked into.”

President of BACTA Frustrated at Government’s Pause 

Gambling industry leaders have expressed their frustration at the government’s decision to pause the decision on the rules. 

John Bollom, the president of the arcades trade body, BACTA, said: “We are frustrated with the delay in resolving the 80/20 issue, which was a key modernising proposal in the gambling white paper, but we remain hopeful that we will see the same progress as other sectors and that when the minister looks again, she will see this reform for what it is – common sense, safe for players and good for our ailing high streets.” 

Like so many other businesses, such as pubs, sports bars, and retail premises, adult gaming centres in the UK have to be approved by the local authority.   

While the High Street has seen a demise in the retail industry, leaving some towns with rows of boarded-up shops, new businesses like the gaming centres have moved in and repurposed the buildings. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is all legal and above the law.