Gambling Commission Launches Consultation on Gaming Machine Safety and Fairness

The Gambling Commission has commenced a new consultation phase aimed at improving the safety and fairness of gaming machines across Britain.

The consultation, which will run for 16 weeks from 29 January to 20 May 2025, marks the third phase of implementing the proposals set out in the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper.

Focusing on gaming machine technical standards and testing strategies, the consultation introduces five new standards alongside a licence condition and a social responsibility code provision. Among the key proposals are the introduction of time and monetary limit-setting functionality, as well as enhancements to information displays to strengthen safer gambling messaging.

As part of the initiative, the Gambling Commission plans to consolidate the current twelve gaming machine technical standards into a single comprehensive standard, making it more aligned with the technical standards for remote gambling. In addition, three existing standards may be amended based on industry feedback to enhance the customer experience.

Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission, highlighted the importance of stakeholder input in evaluating the proposed changes, stating: “The White Paper sets out that a top priority is ensuring that gambling happens safely. We share this commitment and today’s consultation proposes how we could implement gaming machine changes in the land-based sector."

Miller also acknowledged the potential financial burden that regulatory changes could place on businesses, encouraging industry participants and consumers to contribute evidence to the consultation process. He said, “We recognise that regulatory changes that impact the design of machines can come with considerable costs. We are encouraging consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups to share evidence that will assist us in measuring both the likely regulatory impacts of the proposed changes and the likely costs of implementing them."

“This evidence will be invaluable to helping make a robust assessment on whether the benefits to consumers are proportionate to the costs involved," he added.

By fLEXI tEAM