Amusements with Prizes
The type of machines that fall under the Council's control are the small payment "fruit" machines normally found in amusement arcades.
The maximum charge for playing a game is set at 30p and the maximum cash prize for "all cash" prize machines is £25. The all cash prize machines can only be played by people who are 18 years old and over. For other machines the maximum payout is £5 cash or £8 in tokens or gifts and there are no age restrictions on these types of machines.
Most amusement arcades/centres operate a voluntary code which excludes people under 16 from entering premises to play gaming machines, however there is no law which prevents children from playing the arcade machines other than the all cash prize machines.
Games of skill such as quiz machines, and amusement only machines such as "space invaders" do not require a permit under the Gaming Act 1968.
A permit is granted for a period of 3 years. The fee is £250 for an all cash prize machine permit and £32 for a permit for the other types of machines.
Copies of the Gaming Act 1968 can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
A copy of the legislation can be viewed at the Council Offices where you can also obtain an application form and a copy of our standard conditions.
Page updated: 14 Jan 2008