British FECs now need to practice age verification testing - but only those operations that hold a Gambling Commission licence.
Most of those FECs that do not operate slot machines, or lookalike products, will generally not have a gambling licence and will not therefore be affected.
This month age verification rules were changed and it became obligatory for licensed premises to seek age verification and to question anyone perceived to be under 25. Operators are required to report quarterly to the Gambling Commission with detailed returns.
Clarifying the situation this week, John Bollom, Bacta president, told us: “I believe if you are an unlicensed FEC and operate with just a local authority permit and no GC licence, you do not need to AV test.
"You could still operate 10p/£5 fruit machines, but Bacta's members code prohibits their play by under 18s. If the proposed white paper reforms go through then that would be a legal requirement and premises could be subject to local authority inspection/test.”
He added: “We have not seen a legal definition of machines affected, but it is proposed to cover Cat D Complex Cash Payout only - 10p/£5 fruits.”
