DCMS launches consultation on Category D Machines and licensing for Bingo Premises

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has today launched a public consultation on its proposals to update the regulatory framework for Category D machines and Bingo Premises Licences.

The government is seeking views on a series of proposals:

Category D Gaming Machines

The consultation acknowledges the commercial pressures facing certain sectors of the gambling industry and it notes specifically Family Entertainment Centres (FEC’s) which have seen a decline in both numbers and revenue.

The consultation states that “…government is keen to take stock of the effects of recent commercial pressures and explore ways in which sustainable growth might be supported in the family entertainment centre sector. We are therefore consulting on adjustments to stakes and prizes for Category D gaming machines, which are a staple of the family arcade environment.”

Key proposals include:

• Adjustments to stake and prize limits for existing Category D machine types.
• Creation of a new subcategory for non-money prize ‘slot style’ machines reflecting their growth in popularity and distinct format.
• Creation of a new pusher/penny fall money and/or non – money prize category which includes pusher machines previously in the non-money prize category. This reflects the government’s understanding of the importance of the pusher/fall style of machine to seaside arcades.
• Formalising age restrictions for ‘cash-out’ style Category D machines, making it a criminal offence to allow under 18s to use these machines. This follows a voluntary ban on under 18s playing this style of machine introduced by Bacta (the arcades trade association) in 2021.

Bingo Licensing: Clarifying the role of Bingo Licensed Premises

The consultation also looks at the varied ways in which bingo is provided with the government stating in the consultation documents that it “…wants to ensure that all land-based gambling premises have a licence type that is appropriate to the offering in their premises.” The consultation also notes that one of the government’s aims is to create a distinction between bingo venues and adult gaming centres.

The consultation documents set out a number of proposals including:

• Mandatory ‘bingo areas’ which require a minimum proportion of floor space in a venue being dedicated to providing facilities for bingo. Three options are suggested regarding the percentage of floor space in a licensed bingo premises to be designated a continuous bingo area, either 30%, 40% or 50%.
• Restrictions on machine types within licensed bingo areas, specifically a proposal to ban cabinet and infill style machines from being placed within a bingo licensed area.
• Minimum number of bingo positions to ensure genuine bingo activity is taking place and is accessible.

The consultation recognises that, should the proposals go ahead, some operators may want to keep their business model as machine-led and as such a conversion of bingo premises licences to adult gaming centre (AGC) premises licences is considered. The consultation advises that an operator would need to check their operating licence and add ‘Gaming machine general: AGC operating licence’ as a new activity if this activity type was not already held. The conversion of a bingo premises licence to an AGC premises licence would require a variation of the premises licence to be submitted.

Transitional Arrangements

The government is also considering transitional arrangements, with how these will function and timescales being informed by evidence it gathers during the consultation period. Proposals include a phased implementation period allowing operators to adapt their premises and/or business models and guidance and support from the Gambling Commission to help with compliance.

Consideration is also being given to enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with any new requirements.

How to respond

You can take a look at the consultation documents and the online portal to respond to the consultation here.

Stakeholders, industry representatives, and member of the public are invited to respond via the online portal or via email gamblingactreview@dcms.gov.uk.

The consultation closes on 9 January 2026 at 23:55 BST.”

If you have any questions on the above, then please feel free to reach out to Imogen Moss, Licensing solicitor on 0115 953 8500 or i.moss@popall.co.uk