Gambling Commission’s Licensing Authority Bulletin — March 2026

March’s Licensing Authority Bulletin outlines new gaming machine requirements, enforcement priorities, lottery guidance for pubs and essential updates for licensing teams.

New gaming machines rules announced

The Gambling Commission has unveiled new rules requiring gambling businesses to remove non‑compliant gaming machines from their premises, as part of a wider update issued in its March 2026 Licensing Authority Bulletin. The regulator also warned of a rise in illegal gaming machines and unlicensed lottery-style games appearing in pubs across England.

New Licence Condition Takes Effect July 2026

From 29 July 2026, operators must remove any gaming machine deemed non‑compliant once they receive written notification from the Commission.
This follows the Commission’s first response to its gaming machines consultation, with further updates expected in the summer after additional evidence and stakeholder submissions are reviewed.

Increase in Illegal Gaming Machines

Licensing authorities are being urged to stay vigilant after inspectors reported more illegal machines in pubs and small venues.
The Commission reminded authorities that all machines must clearly display:

• Stake and prize information
• Machine category
• Responsible gambling messaging
• Return‑to‑player (RTP) details
• No‑under‑18 signage

Authorities are encouraged to review premises licences, consider prosecutions under the Gambling Act 2005, and report illegal machines directly to the Commission with supporting evidence such as photos and supplier details.

Unlicensed ‘Find the Joker’ and ‘Chase the Ace’ Games

The Commission highlighted a surge in pubs running high‑value “Find the Joker” and similar rollover-style games, warning that many of these constitute illegal lotteries.

Key legal restrictions include:

• No prize over £50
• No rollovers
• Tickets sold only on‑premises to customers aged 16+
• No profit-making
• Strict advertising limits

Authorities may take enforcement action, including prosecution or reviewing a venue’s entitlement to offer gaming machines.

Training and Consultations

• Over 550 licensing staff attended the Commission’s February webinar on betting and poker. Handouts are available on request.
• A new consultation proposes directing future regulatory settlement funds to the Consolidated Fund, aligning them with financial penalties and avoiding duplication with the statutory levy.

LA Returns Now Open

Licensing authorities will shortly receive instructions for submitting their 2025/26 annual returns, with support available via the Commission’s dedicated email channel.