Government launches consultation on Category D gaming machines and licensing for bingo premises

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has opened a consultation seeking views on two key areas of gambling regulation: the use of Category D gaming machines and the licensing framework for bingo premises.

The consultation is part of the government’s broader Gambling White Paper reforms, which aim to update legislation in line with technological and market developments.

Category D machines are the lowest-stakes gaming machines permitted in the UK, commonly found in arcades, family entertainment centres, and some pubs. These include coin pushers, crane grabs, and low-stake fruit machines. Currently, these machines can be made available without a licence or permit in certain settings, a policy originally intended to support low-risk entertainment. However, the government is now questioning whether this exemption remains appropriate, particularly in light of concerns about underage access and the evolving gambling environment.

The consultation proposes two options: either maintaining the current exemption for Category D machines or removing it, which would require all operators to obtain a permit or licence. The government is particularly interested in whether the exemption still serves its intended purpose and whether it creates inconsistencies in regulatory oversight.

The second focus of the consultation is the licensing of bingo premises. Under current law, a premises licence is required to offer bingo, but the definition of what constitutes “bingo” has evolved over time. The government is considering whether the current licensing framework is sufficiently clear and proportionate, especially for low-stakes or community-based bingo activities. It is also exploring whether the current rules may be creating unnecessary burdens for small operators or community groups.

Stakeholders, including operators, local authorities, and members of the public, are invited to respond to the consultation, which will remain open until 4 December 2025. The government is particularly seeking evidence on the impact of the current rules, the potential effects of any changes, and views on how best to balance consumer protection with regulatory proportionality.

This consultation follows a series of other gambling-related reforms announced in the Gambling White Paper, including proposals to strengthen online gambling protections, modernise land-based gambling rules, and improve oversight of gambling advertising and sponsorship.

The DCMS emphasises that any changes resulting from the consultation will be carefully considered to ensure they are evidence-based and proportionate, with a continued focus on protecting children and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm.