The Ministry of Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has unveiled its response to a discussion on land-based casino regulations, which will lift the prohibition on using debit cards on gaming machines.

The consultation response was published today (May 16) as part of the government’s “Intelligent regulation to drive growth” policy document, released in May 2023.

Last year, the government’s Gambling Act Review White Paper outlined measures to be evaluated through discussion. While many suggestions targeted the online gambling sector – and aimed to align it with the digital era – a number of significant measures for the land-based sector were also outlined.

At the time, the land-based industry expressed dissatisfaction with the unclear schedule for implementing the measures and the role of the UK Gambling Commission.

The discussion round on the land-based proposals was open from July 26 to October 4, 2023. Based on this, the UK government has stated today that it intends to implement five land-based proposals, including bringing the industry in line with contemporary payment methods.

The Ministry of Culture, Media, and Sports stated that the suggestion to remove the restriction on direct debit payments was intended to “achieve a suitable equilibrium between contemporary payment techniques and consumer concerns.”

The Minister responsible for gambling, Stuart Andrew, unveiled the response, explaining that the adjustment would align the sector with modern payment methods and safeguard players.

“The prohibition on direct debit usage for gaming machines was designed to safeguard players,” Andrew stated. “However, since these regulations were put into effect, the utilization of non-cash payments in society has risen considerably, and certain industries, particularly machines in pubs, are experiencing a decline in business as patrons do not carry cash.

“We will assist the industry in adapting to the future by lifting this restriction, provided suitable player protection measures are in place.”

These player protection measures will be implemented as modifications to the 2007 Gaming Machines (Use) Regulations and the Commission’s Gaming Machine Technical Standards. Certain aspects of these measures – such as minimum transaction durations and safer gambling information – will be subject to further consultation.

Rank Gaming Group expressed its approval of the lifting of the restriction, stating that it would collaborate with the Commission on its implementation.

We applaud the government’s dedication to removing the prohibition on direct debit card payments for gaming machines, along with the implementation of suitable player safety measures. We will collaborate closely with the Gambling Commission to ensure patrons benefit from this alteration as soon as feasible.

Rank declared that the 2:1 proportion adjustment would be a revolutionary shift for the organization and embraced the suggestion to modify the gaming machine proportion.

The DCMS stated that it aimed to “support an industry that has encountered substantial commercial challenges in recent years” by providing more adaptability in the manner games are offered. This would guarantee customers could opt to play on low-stakes machines, combating potential risks associated with gambling.

Rank observed that the revised proportion would permit it to phase out older products in its inventory.

“In land-based bingo, the introduction of a 2:1 ratio in clubs, permitting operators to establish two B3 category machines for every C or D category machine, will empower us to augment the number of our present B3 category cabinets by roughly 500,” Rank’s statement indicated.

“This modification will allow us to progressively eliminate aging reel machines from our Mecca properties. Overall, the government’s strategy will enable us to diminish the number of cabinets in our Mecca properties.”

The proposition to add more gaming machines was also received favorably. However, this would be at the discretion of the casinos.

As per the suggested plan, the quantity of Category B gaming devices at each site will be augmented from twenty to eighty. This is unconnected to the quantity of venue licenses.

It is crucial to note that wagering on sporting events will be permitted within casinos. Andrew indicated that this will align the UK’s casino offerings with “global territories.” The quantity of self-service wagering terminals at each casino location will be subject to a graduated scale.

Permitting minors to utilize Category D machines will be deemed unlawful. Upon the implementation of the consultation, enticing, causing, or enabling children or young individuals to participate in “cash-out” Category D slot machines will be considered unlawful.

“This is a significant step to clearly differentiate adult gambling products from low-risk products that children can use (such as claw machines or coin pushers) that do not offer monetary prizes or are entirely distinct from adult gambling products,” the DCMS outcomes stated.

Andrew explained that this builds upon the voluntary agreement implemented by the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta) in 2021. This agreement prohibited those under eighteen from using Category D machines at member locations.

Bacta chairman John Bollom commended Andrew for his efforts in developing these consultation policies aimed at the land-based sector.

“This is a positive day,” Bollom stated. “The Minister should be acknowledged for establishing the conditions for the land-based industry to progress.”

Bacta and its associates have demonstrated their commitment to transformation. I wish to express gratitude to all who have participated in this four-year endeavor. Bollum stated that Bacta will collaborate with the commission to make cashless gaming more prevalent.

The maximum venue charge will be elevated by 15%. The DCMS will advocate for this augmentation, asserting that it is essential for regulating the sector and safeguarding consumers. These charges cover expenses and empower licensing authorities to enforce regulations.

Rank’s Chief Executive Officer, John O’Reilly, declared today’s news to be favorable for land-based gaming, particularly for enhancing player experiences.

“The government’s response to land-based consultations is positive news for Rank,” O’Reilly remarked. “If the legislation can be enacted prior to the summer recess in late July, we will enhance our venues through investments and future plans.

“Modernizing the law is long overdue, so we are pleased with the advancement.”

The gambling law proposals are progressing, a year behind schedule.
This declaration arrives two weeks after the committee established a timetable for the initial four subjects from the white paper consultation.

The regulations for these actions will be put into effect between August 2024 and February 2025.

The most significant action is that the commission will begin a trial program for affordability checks, one of the most hotly debated issues in the white paper. This trial program will run for six months and will not affect customers during the testing period. The commission stresses that it will not launch the program in a live setting until the data sharing process is completely seamless.

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