UKGC to enforce immediate removal of non-compliant gaming machines under stricter regulations
Summary
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is introducing a stricter licence condition that will require the immediate removal of gaming machines found to be non-compliant following inspection failures. This marks a change from the Gambling Act 2005 approach, which allowed defective machines to remain on-site while remedial work was completed and a follow-up inspection arranged.
From 29 July, any machine with issues related to manufacture, supply, installation, adaptation, maintenance or repair that fall outside a valid technical operating licence or other applicable standards must be removed from licensed premises. The measure applies across the land-based sector and to all non-remote operators.
The change follows a January 2025 consultation on Gaming Machine Technical Standards, part of implementing recommendations from the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper, and is supported by most respondents. The UKGC says the aim is to accelerate enforcement and strengthen consumer protection, while acknowledging potential cost implications for operators.
Key Points
- New UKGC licence condition requires full removal of non-compliant gaming machines from premises once issues are identified.
- Requirement takes effect from 29 July and covers problems linked to manufacture, supply, installation, adaptation, maintenance or repair.
- Applies to land-based venues and all non-remote operators, closing the previous window for on-site remedial repair before re-inspection.
- Policy follows a January 2025 consultation on Gaming Machine Technical Standards and the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper.
- UKGC acknowledges potential costs for operators but frames the move as accelerating enforcement and improving safety.
- The decision sits alongside other reforms, including the 80/20 machine ratio retained by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and recent adjustments allowing casinos to operate under the 80/20 rule from 22 July with venue conditions.
- Reforms for high-street arcades and bingo venues have been paused amid concerns about concentration of higher-risk machines in town centres; adult gaming centres remain politically sensitive.
Why should I read this?
Short and sharp: if you run or supply machines in the UK, this directly affects your floorplan and stock from late July. No more “fix it and wait” — flagged kit must go. It’s the kind of regulatory tweak that can mean unexpected removals, extra costs and tighter inspections, so worth knowing now rather than being caught out later.
Context and relevance
The measure is part of a wider drive to tighten gambling safety and technical standards after the 2023 Gambling Act Review. Faster removal of non-compliant machines signals tougher enforcement and reduced tolerance for equipment that could pose risks to consumers. Operators, suppliers and venue managers should review compliance processes, technical licences and maintenance chains to avoid disruption.
Politically, the move responds to concerns about accessibility of higher-risk machines in town centres and broader scrutiny of adult gaming centres. While the UKGC notes cost implications, the priority is clear: safer provision through more decisive action — and the industry should prepare operationally and financially for that shift.