The UK Gambling Commission is set to implement a new compliance framework for land-based gaming machines after a consultation that garnered over 1,000 responses. The updates arise from a consultation paper that began in January 2025 and are focused on various areas such as Gaming Machine Technical Standards (GMTS) and Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
Key changes include:
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Exclusion of Existing Machines: Current gaming machines will not have to meet new standards, easing financial burdens on businesses.
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New Design Features: Starting June 30, 2027, new category B machines must have features for responsible gaming, including tools for gambling management and real-time activity displays.
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Game Display Regulations: Celebratory features in games will only be shown if the reward exceeds the stake, and functions like turbo and quick spins will be banned.
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Session Definition Update: The Commission will redefine a “session” to consider only actual gameplay time, excluding unrelated activities like depositing or navigating menus.
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Break Time Adjustments: The Commission plans a structured approach to break periods triggered by time limits, with shorter breaks for earlier limits and standardized minimums for customer-set limits.
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Staff Alerts: Operators will receive alerts only after certain time limits are reached, allowing better allocation of staff resources.
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Customer Privacy Options: Players can choose to hide their elapsed playtime and net position during breaks, addressing privacy concerns.
The implementation of these changes will occur in stages, beginning with redefining sessions on March 30, 2027. The primary amendments will take effect on June 30, 2027, with updates on staff alert systems starting October 3, 2028, considering the complexities of these technical changes.
