Licence Expert With Nearly Two Decades Of Knowledge In The Gambling Industry
Debbie Bollard, a gaming machines licence expert, is the owner of Hough & Bollard - a niche consultancy specialising in gambling licensing for non-remote and remote Operators in the Gambling Industry. With over sixteen years’ experience in the gambling licences industry, including as a gaming licences solicitor, Debbie is equipped with the specialist knowledge and expertise to advise on gaming licences in the UK. Debbie has extensive experience of dealing with the day-to-day licensing requirements of firms; advising on how to apply for licences successfully and helping to take the strain out of obtaining and maintaining your business licences.
Gaming Machines Licence Process
The supply and use of gaming machines in the UK are governed by the Gambling Act 2005, and they are categorised according to the stakes and prizes. As a business, you will need an Operating Licence to manufacture, supply, maintain or repair gaming machines. If you have gaming machines in your premises, you will need a Premises Licence or Permit and probably need an Operating Licence too. The only exception is where a pub or club has notified a local authority that it has two category C/D gaming machines permitted under its Alcohol Premises Licence.
Categories of Gaming Machines
Any business that offers the sale or supply of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment or late night refreshments in England and Wales will need to hold an appropriate Licence or Permit. Without the correct authorisation, any business offering the sale or supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment or late night refreshments may be committing a criminal offence which can result in prosecution.
| Machine Category | Maximum Stake | Minimum Prize | Permitted Location | Maximum No Machines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | £5 | £10,000 | Casinos | Dependant on type of Casino |
| B2 | £2 | £500 | Casinos Betting Shops & Tracks with pool betting | Dependant on type of Casino 4 in combination with cat B -D |
| B3 | £2 | £500 | Casinos Betting Shops & Tracks with pool betting Bingo Premises & AGCs | Dependant on type of Casino 4 in combination with cat B -D Max 20% of total no. gaming machines available |
| B3A | £2 | £500 | Member's clubs or miner's welfare institutes | 1 |
| B4 | £2 | £400 | Casinos Betting shops & Tracks with pool betting Bing premises & AGCs Member's clubs or miner's welfare institutes | Dependant on type of casino 4 in combination with cat B -D Max 20% of total no. gaming machines available 3 |
| C | £1 | £100 | Casinos Betting shops & Tracks with pool betting Bing premises, AGCs & FECs Member's clubs, miner's welfare institutes or commercial club | Dependant on type of casino 4 in combination with cat B -D No limit 3 |
| D Money Prize D Non-Money Prize D Crane grab D Combined money & non-money D Coin pusher/penny fall | 10p 30p £1 10p 20p | £5 £8 £50 £8 £20 | Casinos Betting shops & Tracks with pool betting Bingo Premises, AGCs FECs & uFECs Member's clubs, miner's welfare institutes or commercial club Pubs | Dependant on type of casino 4 in combination with cat B -D No limit 3 2 with a Notification or 3 with a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit |
Why work with Hough & Bollard?
Sound advice on gaming machine licences for gaming machine businesses
Hough & Bollard has been acting for Operators who manufacture and supply gaming machines, since the changes to the UK gambling laws. Hough & Bollard works with a variety of clients including start-ups, SMEs and family businesses that have operated in the industry for several generations. A testament to the businesses gaming licence expertise, many clients are recommended from existing clients.
Cost-effective, high-quality services for small, independent operators
Hough & Bollard understands that not all businesses can afford city prices but strive to deliver the same bespoke service for the independent Operators. Hough & Bollard's focus is on achieving a successful outcome for clients; key strengths are pragmatism and hard work to deliver clear, practical and competent advice on gaming licences in the UK.
Working in conjunction with the Gambling Commission ensures successful outcomes every time
Hough & Bollard routinely acts on behalf of clients in applications to the Gambling Commission to secure a successful result. A member of the trade organisations Bacta and the Gambling Business Group enables the company to keep up to speed on developments and potential changes affecting the gambling industry.