Gambling - Commission launch gaming machine consultation

The Gambling Commission has today launched a consultation in relation to where gaming machines can be played. You will find a link to the consultation below from which it can be seen one of the main points of emphasis in the consultation is 'Category B' gaming machines (the so called 'higher jackpot' machines) and where they should be allowed to be played. The Commission have stated they consider the current conditions on licences and the codes of practice and accompanying guidance to licensing authorities need revision “to ensure that the following underlying policy objectives which seek to minimise gambling related harm are achieved:

• with very few low risk exceptions, non-remote gambling should be confined to dedicated gambling premises
• the distinctions between different types of licensed gambling premises are maintained
• gambling activities are supervised appropriately
• within casino, bingo and betting premises, gaming machines are only made available in combination with the named non-remote activity of the operating licence.”

It is interesting to also note the following comment which appears to summarise the Commission’s view in the recent “Greene King – Bingo in Pubs case”:

“the Commission would regard it as wholly unacceptable for a pub to have a premises license for bingo, or a nightclub to contain a casino.” 

The consultation can be found here: 'Controlling where gaming machines may be played'

The consultation is open now and runs until 22 February 2016.