AWP Machines - Stakes and Prizes Are To Increase

October 2006

The Government has announced the long awaited increased in stakes and prizes for all AWP cash machines (Category C machines) and a stake increase for jackpot machines (B3 and B4).

The order will increase the maximum stake for low stake and prize gaming machines available in betting shops, bingo halls, Adult Gaming Centres, clubs and miners’ institutes, from 50p to £1. Machines available in pubs and clubs will see the maximum stake rise from 30p to 50p and the maximum prize available will increase from £25 to £35. These changes will only apply to machines which currently offer a maximum jackpot of £25.

The increases take effect from 27 October 2006.

In tandem with this, new codes of practice are to be introduced requiring operators providing gaming machines to protect the interests of children and vulnerable people.

The codes have been backed by the Gambling Commission and GamCare, and will ensure that:

• all gaming machines display the GamCare helpline number before they can be converted to the new prize level;
• all machines have clear signage forbidding play by under 18s; and
• all machines are supervised to ensure that there’s no underage play.

Industry associations will monitor compliance and take action against any members not implementing the codes. Adherence to the codes will be a condition of membership for most industry associations. In addition the industry is to develop an occupational standard to underpin staff training in social responsibility.

If the industry fails to abide by the code the Government will withdraw the order increasing the stakes and prizes.

Be also aware however that until the next Budget in 2007, because of a quirk in tax law, machines offering a prize in excess of £25 will be subject to a higher level of Licence Duty until Budget day. There is a commitment to regularise this anomaly at that time.

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