Section 59: Age limit for category D machines
194.The Act does not set a minimum age limit for the use of Category D gaming machines. This section gives the Secretary of State power by order to establish one, by creating an offence of inviting, causing or permitting a child or young person below a specified age to use a Category D gaming machine.
195.Before making such an order, the Secretary of State is required to consult the Commission, people who appear to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of gambling businesses and people who have knowledge about problem gambling. An order need not apply to all types of Category D machine, which means that an age limit can be imposed on particular types of Category D machine. Therefore, if the evidence dictates that only certain types of machine require an age limit (as a result of harm), the section ensures that only those machines will be covered by the limit.
