Understanding the impact of the 1968 Act casino slot-allocation changes, self-service betting terminals and stake limits. By Edwin Ford
In a notable advancement, it was declared that 1968 Act casinos will be permitted to expand their slot machine allocations, with modifications likely to commence by late July this year. The new rule requires casinos to inform the relevant commission of their plan to increase the number of machines, even if it’s just one. This notification must also confirm that the premises adhere to the size requirements for the machines. The total number of machines will be limited to 80, even if the casino holds multiple licenses at the same premises. Once this notification is approved, the question arises: Will this transition place the casino under the 2005 Act? If so, can the casino then operate self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) under a betting license?
Transition to 2005 Act Licenses
Currently, under the 1968 Act, casinos have particular restrictions on the number of gaming machines they can operate, based on the size and licensing category of their premises. The 2005 Act, however, provides more comprehensive regulations regarding gaming machines and the operation of additional betting services, including SSBTs.
Once a casino submits its notification to increase slot numbers, the subsequent question is whether this indicates the casino is now operating under the 2005 Act structure. This would allow more flexibility in machine operations but also introduces new considerations, especially regarding the use of SSBTs.
Operating SSBTs
SSBTs are machines that allow customers to place bets on future real events, like horse races, automatically. These terminals are not categorized as gaming machines, so they don’t count towards the gaming machine cap and don’t fall under the same stake and prize limits. However, when SSBTs are used for virtual events (such as computer-generated races or events), they are considered gaming machines and count toward the maximum allowed number of gaming machines.
It’s crucial to note that using SSBTs for real-event betting is regarded as a form of remote communication. Therefore, a remote-betting license is necessary to operate these terminals to facilitate customer betting.
Conditions on SSBT Use
For casinos operating under the 2005 Act, certain conditions apply to using SSBTs:
- Licensing authorities may limit the number of SSBTs available, considering factors like accessibility to minors or vulnerable individuals.
- If SSBTs are offered in multiple languages, operators must ensure that critical information—such as responsible gambling guidance and access to support services—is also provided in those languages.
- The Commission also stresses that licensing authorities should evaluate whether the SSBTs can be effectively monitored and controlled to prevent misuse, especially by underage or vulnerable customers.
Stake Limits and Age Considerations
The issue of stake limits was addressed in the 2023 White Paper on gambling reforms, aiming to create a level playing field between remote and non-remote gambling operators. The White Paper suggested that remote gambling operators must impose stake limits of £2 for players aged 18-24 and £5 for players aged 25 and above.
The proposed stake limits aim to protect younger players, who may be more vulnerable to gambling harm, by limiting their exposure to higher stakes. The White Paper’s goal was to align both remote and non-remote sectors, ensuring equal consumer protection regardless of how or where they gamble.
This raises an important question about whether these stake limits, designed for the remote-gambling sector, will apply to land-based, nonremote casinos. Since the legal gambling age in a casino is 18 and land-based casinos typically operate in person, there is uncertainty about whether these stake caps will extend to physical casinos.
Moving Forward: The Need for Clarity
The slot machine allocation changes for 1968 Act casinos and the potential introduction of SSBTs could fundamentally alter the landscape of
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
