Gambling White Paper – Key Proposals: Land based gambling

What? How will it be implemented? Next step Current status Implementation date
Increase in maximum machine allowance for casinos:

  • 1968 Act casinos which meet the 2005 Act Small casino requirements to be entitled to up to 80 machines
  • Machine to table ratio to be equalised at 5:1 for Large and Small 2005 and larger 1968 Act casinos
  • 1968 Act casinos which do not meet these Small 2005 casino size requirements to be permitted extra machines on a pro rata basis and subject to the same machine to table ratios
 Secondary legislation The Government intends to implement an optional regime for casinos licensed under the Gaming Act 1968 (converted casinos) which would:

i.  increase the maximum number of Category B gaming machines to 80, provided they meet the size requirements of a Small 2005 Act casino;

ii. permit smaller 1968 Act casinos more than 20 machines (on a pro-rate commensurate to their size);

iii. permit betting in all casinos;

iv. reduce the minimum table gaming area requirement (from 500sqm to 250sqm) for Small 2005 Act casinos; and

v.  introduce a 5:1 machine to table ratio for both 1968 Act casinos and Small 2005 Act casinos.

 The DCMS consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector, here, closed on 04 October 2023. The DCMS recently published its response here, as it relates to casinos.

The Government will make changes through secondary legislation which would require a draft affirmative and a draft negative, statutory instrument.

 TBC
Reallocation of unused 2005 Act licences Consultation with local authorities with an interest in developing a casino in their area Government to write to local authorities with unused licences to allow reallocation where there is no intention to progress.
Sports betting to be permitted in all casinos (both 1968 Act and 2005 Act venues) Secondary legislation The Government intends to implement an optional regime for casinos licensed under the Gaming Act 1968 (converted casinos) which would permit betting in all casinos. The DCMS consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector, here, closed on 04 October 2023. The DCMS recently published its response here, as it relates to casinos.

The Government will make changes through secondary legislation which would require a draft affirmative and a draft negative, statutory instrument.

 TBC
Potential introduction of cashless payments for gaming machines Secondary legislation and Gambling Commission powers The Government intends to implement measures which would, for instance:

i. remove the prohibition on the use of debit cards on gaming machines, subject to the introduction of appropriate player protection measures in light of the Gambling Commission’s review of the Gaming Machine Technical Standards;

ii. permit direct cashless payments made on gaming machines to a maximum transaction limit of £100;

iii. introduce the current deposit and payment limits to direct cashless payments on gaming machines (i.e., The deposit limits are currently set at £20 for Category B and C machines, and £2 for Category D machines. The committed payment limits are £10 for Category B1, B2, B3 and B3A machines, and £5 for Category B4 and C machines);

iv. require gaming machines that accept direct debit payments to implement minimum transaction time limits and monetary thresholds; and

v. require safer gambling communications on gaming machines that accept cashless payment.

 The DCMS consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector, here, closed on 04 October 2023. The DCMS recently published its response here, as it relates to proposed cashless payment and player protection measures.

The Government will make changes through secondary legislation which would require a draft negative statutory instrument as it relates to removing the prohibition of the use of debit cards on gaming machines.

The Gambling Commission will consult on a number of player protection measures that may be included in their review of the Gaming Machine Technical Standards to ensure that appropriate frictions are in place when direct debit card payments are used.

 TBC
Introduction of credit for international visitors (subject to AML/CDD checks) Primary legislation and LCCP amendments Gambling Act 2005 to be amended when Parliamentary time allows. For more information please see here.
Licensing authority premises fee increase for land-based venues Secondary legislation The Government intends to implement measures which would increase the maximum premises fees chargeable by licensing authorities in England and Wales by 15%. The DCMS consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector, here, closed on 04 October 2023. The DCMS recently published its response here, as it relates to premises licence fees.

The Government will make changes through secondary legislation which would require a negative statutory instrument.

 TBC
Amendment of 80/20 ratio for Category B and C/D gaming machines to 50/50 in bingo and arcade venues Secondary legislation The Government intends to implement measures which would allow a 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines in arcade and bingo venues, which would apply on a device type basis. The DCMS consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector, here, closed on 04 October 2023. The DCMS recently published its response here, as it relates to the ratio of gaming machines in arcades and bingo venues.

The Government will make changes through secondary legislation which would require a draft affirmative statutory instrument.

 TBC
Review of Horseracing Betting Levy Secondary legislation Stakeholder engagement, evidence gathering and analysis to take place in spring/summer 2023 This is due to be reviewed in 2024, and industry stakeholders have called for changes to the levy framework. For more info, see here.