The Gambling Commission (‘the Commission’) has published its long-awaited response to the gaming machine consultation launched in January 2025, confirming a package of measures that will introduce new safer gambling requirements and changes to machine design standards from 2027 onwards.
The consultation formed part of the Government’s Gambling Act White Review and considered changes to the Gaming Machine Technical Standards (GMTS), including the use of session limits and the introduction of additional safer gambling tools on Category B and C gaming machines. More than 1,000 responses were submitted by operators, trade bodies, consumers and other stakeholders.
What has changed?
The Commission has confirmed that, from 30 June 2027, new Category B gaming machines will be required to provide players with improved gambling management tools and sessional information showing how long they have been playing and their overall net position. The reforms will also introduce changes designed to promote clearer and more transparent game design, including prohibiting the celebration of wins that are lower than the stake and features that accelerate the speed at which results are revealed.
Importantly, the Commission has modified several of its original proposals following industry feedback. Key changes include:
- Existing gaming machines will not be brought within the scope of the new limit-setting and sessional information requirements, reducing implementation costs, particularly for smaller operators and social clubs.
- The Commission has adopted a revised approach to displaying session information that incorporates an alternative solution proposed by industry.
- The definition of a gaming machine “session” has been amended to avoid unintended interruptions before gaming activity has commenced.
- References to winnings and losses will be replaced with a player’s “net position”, which the Commission considers easier for consumers to understand.
- A graduated approach to mandatory breaks in play will be introduced, reflecting differing levels of risk.
- Staff alerts will no longer be required at the first and second default time-limit thresholds.
- Players will be permitted to hide certain sessional information after a short pause in play, addressing privacy concerns while retaining the underlying safer gambling objectives.
Implementation timetable
The Commission has adopted a phased implementation approach.
The new definition of a gaming machine session will take effect on 30 March 2027, with the majority of the remaining changes coming into force on 30 June 2027. According to the Commission, this staged approach will allow data to be collected and assessed before and after the wider technical standards changes are introduced.
The implementation deadline for staff alert requirements has been extended until 3 October 2028, reflecting the significant technical work that may be required to deliver those changes across different machine platforms and operating environments. The Commission has stated, however, that it expects operators to adopt staff alert technology sooner where practicable.
The Commission’s response will be welcomed by many operators as several of the original proposals would have imposed significant costs while delivering uncertain consumer benefits. The decision to exclude existing machines from the scope of key requirements and to delay aspects of implementation demonstrates a willingness to respond to evidence submitted by the industry.
Nevertheless, the reforms represent a significant regulatory change for machine manufacturers, suppliers and operators. Licensees are advised to review the final requirements and begin planning for implementation well in advance of the 2027 and 2028 deadlines.
The full response to the consultation can be found at January 2025 Consultation on proposed changes to the GMTS, Testing Strategy and LCCP: Consultation Response – Executive summary
For further information, please feel free to contact any of our specialist gambling solicitors.
