Welcome to Business
Gaming machines
A gaming machine licence is required
in respect of premises providing
amusements with prizes by way of
machines.
The most common applications of gaming machines are those commonly referred to as 'fruit machines' and 'one-armed bandits' which make small payments.
Typically these machines would be found in amusement arcades, motorway service stations, take-aways and cafes, as well as pubs and clubs.
Where premises have a liquor licence, the gaming machine permit is obtained from the the local magistrates' court. In all other premises, application is made to the Council.
The maximum charge permissible for a game is 30p. Where the machine in question pays out a combination of cash, gifts and/or tokens, the maximum payout permissible is £5.00 in cash or £8.00 in cash and/or tokens.
There are no age restrictions in force for such machines and so children can also play them.
Where the machine in question pays out cash only, the maximum payout permissible is £15.00. There is an age restriction in force for such machines, limiting access to persons aged 18 years and over only (i.e. they must be in an area of the premises which underage users cannot gain access to).
A licence is not required where the machine in question is based only on a game of skill (for e.g. quiz machines), or is an amusement only machine and in either case no money or token is paid out by the machine.
The Council will be able to give advice about the types of premises where they will allow gaming machines and will, if required, send out the appropriate advisory literature. Each licence is granted for a period of three years.
If your premises have a Justices on- licence granted under the Licensing Act 1964 and you wish to have gaming machines on your premises, then you must apply to the local Magistrates Court for a Permit. In all other instances, you should apply to the Council.
A Gaming Machines Licence is required for any machine which:
The most common applications of gaming machines are those commonly referred to as 'fruit machines' and 'one-armed bandits' which make small payments.
Typically these machines would be found in amusement arcades, motorway service stations, take-aways and cafes, as well as pubs and clubs.
Where premises have a liquor licence, the gaming machine permit is obtained from the the local magistrates' court. In all other premises, application is made to the Council.
The maximum charge permissible for a game is 30p. Where the machine in question pays out a combination of cash, gifts and/or tokens, the maximum payout permissible is £5.00 in cash or £8.00 in cash and/or tokens.
There are no age restrictions in force for such machines and so children can also play them.
Where the machine in question pays out cash only, the maximum payout permissible is £15.00. There is an age restriction in force for such machines, limiting access to persons aged 18 years and over only (i.e. they must be in an area of the premises which underage users cannot gain access to).
A licence is not required where the machine in question is based only on a game of skill (for e.g. quiz machines), or is an amusement only machine and in either case no money or token is paid out by the machine.
The Council will be able to give advice about the types of premises where they will allow gaming machines and will, if required, send out the appropriate advisory literature. Each licence is granted for a period of three years.
If your premises have a Justices on- licence granted under the Licensing Act 1964 and you wish to have gaming machines on your premises, then you must apply to the local Magistrates Court for a Permit. In all other instances, you should apply to the Council.
A Gaming Machines Licence is required for any machine which:
- has been constructed/adapted for playing a game of chance by means of the machine, and;
- has a slot or other aperture for accepting money or money's worth in the form of cash or tokens.
Types of permit:
- s34(1) Gaming Act 1968 - for money prizes/tokens not exceeding £8
- 34(5E) Gaming Act 1968 - for money prizes/tokens exceeding £8 (These permits have additional conditions attached pertaining to restrictions on persons under 18 years of age).
Attachments
Application for gaming machine licence (PDF 24 KB)Online Payment
Select the 'sundry debt' option and enter 'gaming machine licence' in the account number field and complete the remaining fields as requested.
Related Links
- Her Majesty's Stationary Office website
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/ (Opens in new window) - Department of Culture, Media and Sport website
http://www.culture.gov.uk (Opens in new window) - The Gaming Board for Great Britain website
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/ (Opens in new window)
Who to Contact
Licensing Section
Telephone: 0151 443 3038
Write to or Visit:
Computer Centre,
Westmorland Road,
Huyton,
Merseyside
L36 9YU
Email: licensing@knowsley.gov.uk
Telephone: 0151 443 3038
Write to or Visit:
Computer Centre,
Westmorland Road,
Huyton,
Merseyside
L36 9YU
Email: licensing@knowsley.gov.uk
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