Manufacturers of Category D machines in the UK are concerned that such games are covered by new machine standards published by the Gambling Commission.
They say that the inclusion of pushers, cranes, multislots and the like in the standards will result in the demise of the seaside arcade as we know it.
“It will be catastrophic for the industry,” said one manufacturer. “This would affect manufacturers, seaside arcades, family entertainment centres and all other types of location that use this category of machine.
“None of the machines other than fruit machines would be able to meet the standards envisaged. I don’t see how seaside arcades could possibly continue to operate unless changing over to gambling and they would no longer be able to cater for family-orientated entertainment.
“This would have a knock-on effect with all associated industries and I feel many would have to close as a consequence. I was under the impression that regeneration was wanted in our seaside towns. This in my opinion will create quite the opposite and cause a big decline in seaside holidays.”
The manufacturers are now pushing BACTA to get Category D machines exempted or to take games like pushers out of Category D.
