The UK government supports an increase of the prize limit for Category C gaming machines to £100 and is planning to re-introduce the triennial review, it said today.
Stakes and prizes for fixed odds betting terminals are to remain the same.
In its response to the consultation on stakes and prizes, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that evidence suggests that while the 2009 stake and prizes increase “provided some respite to the industry,” the benefits of an additional increase from £70 would “help support various sectors through continuing difficult economic conditions.”
The government said its considers the difference in prize limit of Category B and C machines is still “sufficiently wide” after any rise to maintain a “distinct appeal”
However, in its response it noted concerns that much of the Cat C market is found in pubs, which is not licensed by the Gambling Commission.
“For those reasons the government looks in particular to the industry (including the pub trade) to ensure that there are robust social responsibility codes and measures in place, can demonstrate their impact and that these are evaluated effectively with the results made available to DCMS and the Gambling Commission,” the report said.
The consultation ran earlier this year and looked at gaming machines classified as Category B, C and D and found in places such as betting shops, seaside arcades, pubs and casinos. It also included a call for evidence in relation to B2 machines, or FOBTs.
Following advice from the Gambling Commission and a range of view in the consultation, the government decided not to proceed with a reduction in stakes or prizes on FOBTs at this stage.
It does, however, support the increase of the stake and prize limit for B1 machines – found in casinos – from £2 to £5 and £4,000 to £10,000, respectively. There is also potential for casinos to offer a linked progressive jackpot prize of up to £20,000.
It proposes maintain stake a prize levels for B3 machines and Category D machines, except coin pushers, which could benefit from an increase stakes and prizes.
It also stated that it believes the reintroduction of a triennial review system is appropriate and outlined plans for the next formal review to be completed by 2016.
“The government is pleased to introduce a package that supports the gambling sector but is very clear that growth cannot be pursued at any cost,” said Minister for Sport and Equalities Helen Grant. “Our response acknowledges gambling’s contribution to the economy but balances this with explicit recognition of the need to protect players, particularly at the higher end stakes.”
The government intends putting the proposals before Parliament before the end of the year with the objective of implementing the new stake and prize limits in early 2014.
Read the full response from the DCMS here.
