A public consultation process has been launched to look at ‘land-based’ offline gambling, which includes relaxing the a ban on cashless payments on pub gaming machines.
The measures will help “future-proof” the industry by consulting on the player protections needed to remove the ban on debit cards on gaming machines, the government said.
Proposals also seek to relax casino rules, allowing large casinos to increase the number of their gaming machines to 80, and smaller casinos more than 20 machines.
Machines in arcades and bingo halls will change the 80/20 ratio governing higher to lower stake gaming machines, which will enable venues to better meet customer demands and save on energy costs, according to the government plans.
An introduction of a legal age limit of 18 could be introduced for certain gaming machines, to protect children and young people.
The government is also consulting on options to introduce stronger protections when playing slots for 18 to 24-year-olds, such as lower stake limits of £2, £4, or requirements on operators to consider age as a risk factor for gambling-related harm.
The move is the next step of a government’s gambling white paper to update gambling rules for the smartphone era and protect those at risk of gambling harm.
The recommendations are aimed at allowing offline gambling to “thrive sustainably”, while protecting customers.
The gambling industry, clinicians, academics, the general public, and those with first-hand experience of gambling and its impacts have been invited to share their views.
Trade bodies welcomes the consultation.
In a joint statement, UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association said: “This consultation is a welcome step towards a much needed review of issues that could protect the longevity of safe and enjoyable gaming in pubs.
“UKH and BBPA work closely on gaming issues and our joint group will feed in via the associations, no doubt with one voice and unanimity.”
The consultation will be open for 10 weeks, closing at 11.55pm on 4 October 2023.
