Gaming Machine permits
A gaming machine is defined by the Gambling Act 2005 as a machine that is designed or adapted for use by individuals to gamble (whether or not it can also be used for other purposes). Most gaming machines are of the reel-based type, also known as fruit, slot, or jackpot machines.
Several devices or systems are excluded (under section 235 of the Gambling Act 2005) from being defined as gaming machines including:
- domestic or dual use computers
- telephones or other machines for communication
- machines designed or adapted to bet on future real events
- lottery terminals
- on a bingo premises, machines designed or adapted for the playing of bingo (including by way of prize gaming)
- machines designed or adapted for the playing of bingo, by way of prize gaming, where a family entertainment centre gaming machine permit or a prize gaming permit is held
- semi-automated casino games
- fully-automated casino games.
There is no statutory minimum percentage payout for gaming machines but all machines are required to clearly display the percentage return to players, or the odds of winning prizes from use of the machine.
Gaming machines fall into categories depending on the maximum stake and prize available.
