Consultation on Category D gaming machines and licensing for bingo premises
2025
The government has launched a new consultation proposing changes that will impact the land based gambling industry, aiming to modernize the licensing framework and support sustainable growth across the industry.
The proposals being consulted on are outlined below.
Stakes and prizes for Category D machines
The consultation looks at updating stakes and prizes for Category D gaming machines – the familiar coin pushers/penny falls, crane grabs and non-money prize machines found in seaside and family arcades.
Proposals also include creating a new “slot-style” non-money prize machine category to reflect developments in the sector and consumer trends.
Age Limits for ‘cash out’ Slot-Style Machines
Ministers are also seeking views on plans to make it illegal for under-18s to play “cash out” slot-style Category D machines that offer small monetary prizes.
Although members of the arcades trade body Bacta voluntarily introduced a ban in 2021, the proposal would make this restriction a legal requirement, ensuring consistency across all venues.
Clearer Rules for Bingo Venues
The consultation also targets the growing number of bingo premises that largely host gaming machines, making them hard to distinguish from adult gaming centres (AGCs).
The Government is proposing that every licensed bingo hall must include a dedicated “bingo area” occupying a minimum proportion of floor space. This space would be subject to new rules including limits on certain machine types and a minimum number of bingo positions to ensure that licensed premises are genuinely focused on bingo.
Have Your Say
Industry stakeholders and members of the public are invited to share their views on the proposals, which are designed to balance player protection with business sustainability.
See link to consultation below which closes on 9th January 2026
Consultation on Category D gaming machines and licensing for bingo premises - GOV.UK
If you need further advice, please contact one of our lawyers who will be happy to assist you.