UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK government has paused plans to ease slot machine rules in high street arcades, citing concerns over gambling harms and protection for vulnerable users.
As reported by The Guardian, the government proposal to ease slot machine regulations in high street arcades has been put on hold amid worries about the sector’s impact on vulnerable players.
How the UK’s 80/20 slot machine rule delayed AGC growth plans?
Government officials were expected to allow adult gaming centres offering round-the-clock slot play to increase the number of high-stakes machines.
In a surprising turn for the swiftly growing AGC sector, which expressed frustration with the move, the planned easing of the rules will be postponed this year and might be scrapped.
The 80/20 rule limits the number of B3 slot machines in arcades and bingo halls to just 20% of the total terminals. These machines allow stakes of up to £2, with maximum prizes of £500.
The other 80% of machines must fall under category C or D, with a maximum stake of £1 and a highest possible prize of £100.
The traditional gaming sector has criticized the regulation, arguing that the rules limit development, with many players bypassing the lower-stakes machines, leading to inefficient use of space and increasing electricity bills.
What did DCMS say about delaying changes to the 80/20 rule?
Last May, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport revealed it was considering replacing the 80/20 rule with a 50/50 ratio or eliminating it completely.
However, in a letter obtained by the press, DCMS officials confirmed that the government would “not introduce changes to the 80/20 rule this year.”
The department did not dismiss the possibility of reviving the proposal but acknowledged
“concerns about the strength of protections for vulnerable people in the adult gaming centre sector.”
Merkur, the slot machine company, was fined close to £100,000 by the gambling regulator this year, following revelations by the Guardian about staff allegedly exploiting a vulnerable cancer patient.
What did John Bollom say about the delay in the 80/20 rule reform?
John Bollom, the head of the arcades trade body, Bacta, stated,
“We are frustrated with the delay in resolving the 80/20 issue, which was a key modernising proposal in the gambling white paper, but we remain hopeful that we will see the same progress as other sectors; and that when the minister looks again she will see this reform for what it is – common sense, safe for players and good for our ailing high streets.”
According to Bacta, its members are committed to maintaining the highest level of player safety and protection.
What did Iain Duncan Smith say about the risks of increasing slot machine numbers?
Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative party leader and chair of a parliamentary group examining gambling harm, said,
“Given the insufficient protections in place for people in these venues and the addictive nature of these machines, increasing their numbers should be ruled out entirely and the current widespread breaches of regulations by AGCs, which are now proliferating on our high streets, must be urgently looked into.”
What did Beccy Cooper say about restricting AGCs and empowering local councils?
Labour MP Beccy Cooper praised the government’s decision and urged further restrictions on AGCs.
She said,
“Local councils also need more powers to enable them to restrict the number of gambling outlets in local communities to prevent gambling harms.”
What is the UK gambling market size and AGC revenue?
Gambling Industry & AGC Market Size
- Total UK gambling market value (2023): £14.7 billion (Gambling Commission)
- Land-based gambling (including AGCs & bingo halls) share: ~35% (~£5.1 billion)
- Number of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) in the UK: ~1,500 (Bacta estimate)
Slot machine revenue & player behavior
- Annual revenue from B3 machines (high-stakes, £2 max bet): ~£500 million
- Average spend per session in AGCs: £20-£50 (Gambling Commission data)
- Percentage of players who prefer B3 machines over lower-stakes (C/D) machines: ~60% (Industry surveys)