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Early notice of consultation on AWPs and stakes and prizes

Periodically our news items converge between our two main areas of expertise...liquor licensing and gambling!

This is one such occasion. The Government has announced a review into stakes and prizes for Gaming Machines and has specifically contacted trade bodies involved in the licensed trade to ask their views. 

Clearly the relevant machines are category C and to a lesser extent Category D. In 2009 stakes for Category C machines were increased to a maximum £1.00 with prizes rising to a maximum £70.00. 

However with the increase in popularity of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, Category B2 machines which operate with a maximum stake of £100 in multiples of £10 and a maximum prize of £500, which cannot be situated in pubs and bars, there is an argument for further increases in stakes and prizes for the ‘pub type’ machines. This will only happen if operators engage in the process and respond to the consultation at the relevant time. 

The process is reported as being expected to take 18 months with a 12 week consultation anticipated from July next year. 

We will keep you updated but would urge involvement at the earliest possible stage.