Gaming machines

The Council is responsible for the processing of all licence applications including Gaming Machines.

Automatic Entitlement to two machines

Section 282 of the Gambling Act 2005 provides an automatic entitlement to up to two gaming machines of Category C or D for use in alcohol-licensed premises.

To take advantage of this entitlement, the person who holds an on-sales licence must give notice to the Licensing Board of their intention to make gaming machines available for use and must pay the prescribed fee.

Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permits

The Licensing Board may also issue licensed premises gaming machine permits for any number of category C or D machines in licensed premises (with the exception of off-sale premises).  Where a permit authorises the making available of a specified number of gaming machines, this will effectively replace, and not be in addition to, any automatic entitlement.

Holders of alcohol-licensed premises gaming machine permits are required to comply with a code of practice issued by the Gambling Commission on the location and operation of machines. Information about this code can be found on the Commission's website [opens in a new window].