UK LEGAL
total stake gambled. This would prohibit the use of auditory or visual effects associated with a win, but a display of the total awarded and a brief sound to indicate the result will be allowed.
PROHIBITING TURBO, QUICK SPIN, SLAM STOP
Also mirroring requirements applicable to online slots, the Commission proposes to ban features that permit a customer to reduce the time until the result is known. This would prohibit features such as turbo, quick spin and slam stop, with the aim of reducing the potential intensity of gameplay and the artificial illusion of control.
IMPROVING CUSTOMER ENJOYMENT AND GAMEPLAY In a positive development, the Commission also intends to amend rules relating to game links and live jackpots, based on industry proposals to improve consumer enjoyment and gameplay.
The proposed changes include removing the current requirement on Category B machines that the chance of being awarded a link to the next game is no better than even, and removing the requirement for live jackpots to always be collected in full rather than gambled.
TRANSITION TO NEW MACHINE STANDARDS
The transition to the new standards will not necessarily be a smooth one, as based on industry information the Commission estimates that around 10,000 gaming machines will be unable to be updated to implement the proposed changes. Where new machines can cost in excess of £10,000, the proposals would come with a potential £100m cost to the industry and presumably a significant environmental impact associated with scrapping defunct machines. A number of these affected machines are Category B3A or B4, which may be subject to an exemption for existing machines. To further mitigate the potential costs of its proposals, the Commission puts forward an implementation date of at least 24 months after confirmation of the final changes for existing machines and games, with them taking effect for new machines after a period of no less than 6 months. One issue not addressed by this consultation is the White Paper proposal to allow cashless payments on gaming machines. This is awaiting a decision from the government as to whether to proceed with the plans put forward by the previous government.
The technical standards consultation closes on 20 May 2025.
Melanie is a gambling regulatory lawyer with 13 years’ experience in the sector. Melanie advises on all aspects of gambling law including licence applications, compliance, advertising, licence reviews and changes of control. She has acted for a wide range of gambling operators including major online and land-based bookmakers and casinos, B2B game and software suppliers and start-ups. She also frequently advises operators of raffles, prize competitions, free draws and social gaming products. Melanie has a particular interest in the use of new technology for gambling products and novel product ideas.
FEBRUARY 2025 27
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