Very small cash prizes in machines in British seaside arcades are coming under the scrutiny of the authorities, following increasing vigilance by the press seeking to sensationalise children’s ability to gamble on machines.
For many years in family arcades around the coast, children have been permitted to play gaming machines with a very low stake and small cash prize. Currently, that is 10 pence in and a maximum of £5 prize. These are called Category D machines.
They are permitted in other types of location but are rarely seen outside of FECs, the occasional pub and travelling fairs. There are other sub-categories of D, including a non-monetary prize for which the stakes/prize value is 30 pence and £8; or a crane where the maximum stake is £1 and top prize £50; or even a combination of cash and prize with 10 pence input and £8 prize of which no more than £5 can be cash. Or there are coin pushers with a top input of 20 pence and top prize of £20.
Despite this complexity surrounding Category D, they are generally regarded as small-time fun, trivial prize games and therefore acceptable. But now that the press is placing the playing of machines under scrutiny, the authorities are becoming increasingly agitated.
Recognising this, the trade association BACTA has called an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the potential crisis. It has been advised that it should take voluntary action before unwelcome regulation is imposed upon the industry. The association is emphasising to members that the risks are only with Category D reel-based slot-style machines that pay out cash; pushers, cranes and redemption games are not seen as under threat.
It has been suggested that a voluntary measure may be to restrict unaccompanied children under the age of 16 from playing the machines, placing a sticker to that effect on the machines.
The EGM is to be held on July 9 in Birmingham.
