UK updates land-based gambling regulations

Added: May 21, 2024

Updates to the laws governing land-based gambling were recently revealed by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), and industry groups have welcomed these announcements.

Debit card usage for gambling is now permitted, and the maximum number of gaming machines that tiny casinos can have is increased from 20 to 80, depending on the size of the casino. The goal of this modification is to increase the operational flexibility of these venues.

To give them greater flexibility in their offers, the government has also modified the machine-to-table ratios in bingo and arcade halls, standardizing them at a 5-to-1 ratio. A new regulation has also been implemented that makes it illegal to permit anyone under the age of 18 to use Category-D slot machines and requires anyone paying out to prove they are over 18.

The industry’s response has been positive. These modifications were welcomed by the Betting and Gaming Council as well as other industry bodies like Bacta and the Rank Group.

Michael Dugher, acting chair and CEO of the BGC, said:

“While we welcome these proposals, attention must now shift to the timeline for implementing policy changes and we urge the government to urgently set out a clear timeline for progressing the relevant legislation to make them reality for our members.”

Bacta’s John Bollom praised gambling minister Stuart Andrew. He said:

“The minister is to be congratulated for creating the conditions which will allow the land-based sector to go forward. The progress achieved is a testament to the hard work of Bacta and our members in making the case for reform. I would like to thank all the Bacta members who have helped in this campaign which has taken four years.”

Bollum added that Bacta would work with the Commission to progress cashless gaming.

Rank Group said the reforms would allow it to “better meet the needs of customers”. Its Grosvenor Casino venues will be able to double their 1,361 B1 gaming machines and plans to add 700 new machines next year. CEO John O’Reilly said:

“Providing the legislation is on the statute books by recess in late July, we are looking forward to improving the customer proposition in our venues with a roadmap of investments and improvements in the months and years that follow. The legislative modernizations cannot come a moment too soon, so we are pleased with the progress contained in today’s announcement.”

These reforms are seen as a significant step forward for the land-based gambling sector, aiming to enhance customer experience and ensure the industry’s sustainability in the UK.