Bingo Machines are officially exempt from the amount which can be licensed, for any one particular gaming establishment. They are also exempt from prize and stake limits. However, the Gambling Commission has become more and more aware of the twists and turns, the gaming machine manufacturers are doing, in order to get past the regulations in place, to control slot machine gambling.
The biggest concern seems to be, some of the manufacturers are designing machines which are, supposedly, Bingo Machines, yet bare little difference to the more regulated slot and gaming machines. In an attempt to straighten things out, the Gambling Commission have come up with a list of criteria for Bingo Machines.
Now, if the new machines dont match that criteria, the commission are stating that they should not be classed as Bingo Machines, and may well be taxed accordingly. The new move, at present, is voluntary. However, the Gambling Commission have warned, if it isnt sorted out this way, they will take more formal steps to make the requirements regulatory.
The Gambling commission did hold discussions, with both the UK Bingo Association, and British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA). The Bingo association represents all UK licensed Bingo Operators, and BACTA represent the manufacturers of the pay to play machine industry. The new criteria is applicable to all Bingo games, regardless of whether they are automated, live, or machine.
There are certain criteria in place, which is specific to the manufacture of Bingo Machines. These machines may not be placed in an area where under eighteens can enter. The price per game may not be changed, nor may the prize on offer be dictated by the number of people playing. The new Code of Practice has already been issued to both BACTA and UK Bingo Association members.
Although it has not been officially made regulatory (yet!), the Gambling Commission seem determined to get the issues dealt with. So, it seems in everyones interest to follow the guidelines, probably sooner, rather than later.
This was an article by Lisa for Bingo Faces on 26/06/2009






