The Gaming Act 1968 (Variation of Monetary Limits) Order 2006

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order varies certain limits specified for machines to which Part 3 of the Gaming Act 1968 (“the 1968 Act”) applies (commonly known as “fruit machines” or “slot machines”).

Section 31 governs machines to which Part 3 of that Act applies where used for gaming, either on premises licensed under that Act or on premises used by a club or miners’ welfare institute registered under Part 2 or 3 of the Act. Where such a machine is made available for gaming on such premises it is commonly referred to as a jackpot gaming machine. The Gaming Act 1968 (Variation of Monetary Limits) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2776) makes provision as to the maximum amount of the charge for play for such a machine. The amount varies depending on the type of premises in which the machine is used. Article 2 replaces the provisions in the 2005 Order. Article 2(3) and (4) reproduces the equivalent provisions in the 2005 Order, and its effect is to make no change to the limits on the charge for play where jackpot gaming machines are used in casinos. However, in the case of other premises article 2(2) has the effect of increasing the limit from 50 pence to £1.

Section 34 governs machines to which Part 3 of the 1968 Act applies where used for gaming on other premises. These machines are commonly known as amusements with prizes (AWP) machines. Subsection (2) of section 34 specifies the maximum amount of the charge for play for using an AWP machine. By virtue of the Gaming Act (Variation of Monetary Limits) (No.2) Order 1997 the amount specified in subsection (2) as the maximum charge for play is 30 pence. Article 3 and the Schedule to the Order make provision for this amount to be increased to 50 pence. Subsections (5C) and (5D) of section 34 specify the limits on prizes payable in respect of a particular type of AWP machine known as the higher value, or all cash, AWP machine. Article 3 and the Schedule to the Order also increase the limits in subsections (5C) and (5D) from £25 to £35.

A full Regulatory Impact Assessment of the costs and benefits of this Order is available from the Gaming and Lotteries Branch, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH, telephone [phone].