The Gambling Act 2005 (Gaming Machines) (Definitions) Regulations 2007

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations assign meanings to the terms “dual-use computer” and “domestic computer” for the purposes of section 235(2)(a) of the Gambling Act 2005 (‘the Act’).

Section 235(1) of the Act defines a gaming machine as a machine that is designed or adapted for use by individuals to gamble (whether or not it can also be used for other purposes). The manufacture, supply, installation, adaptation, maintenance or repair of a gaming machine, and making a gaming machine available for use, are all regulated activities under the Act, and the Act establishes offences relating to such activities if they are undertaken without the appropriate authorisation.

There are a number of exceptions to the definition of a gaming machine, to ensure that it does not capture specified types of machine. One of the exceptions (in section 235(2)(a) of the Act) is that a domestic or dual-use computer is not a gaming machine by reason only of the fact that it can be used to participate in remote gambling.

Regulation 2(1) defines a dual-use computer.

Regulation 3 defines a domestic computer.

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business is available from the Gambling and National Lottery Licensing Division, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH, telephone [phone].