In this report, we will be taking a look at how the Gambling Commission in the UK (UKGC) has asked for pubs in England and Wales to take additional care with fruit machine gambling slots. The big issue which the UKGC wants to stamp out is under-18s accessing these gaming machines. Let’s take a look.
Underage gambling has already been quite a big issue for the UKGC. In fact, if you take a look at the latest online gambling news, you’ll find that 55,000 children between the ages of 11-16 were reported as having a gambling problem. You can read up more about that by clicking on the link above.
Fruit Machine Gambling Slots Easily Accessible by U-18s
According to law, children are not allowed to play the category C machines. These machines have a maximum stake of £1 and a maximum prize pay-out of £100.
According to a UKGC review, 170 pubs were found to have an 84% failing in preventing under-18s from accessing the machines.
The UKGC were also quick to point out that pub staff are responsible for ensuring children do not use them, while clear signage should indicate age restrictions.
However, a similar review last year found 88% of pubs in England failed to prevent children accessing fruit machines, so there has been a marginal improvement across the board.
Helen Rhodes, UKGC Programme Director, stated the following:
“The pub industry must accelerate action to enforce these rules.
“Pubs must take age verification on machines as seriously as they do for alcohol sales; and they risk losing their entitlement to offer machines if they do not.
“We urge the pub sector to respond to this opportunity to protect children and young people, and to prevent the need for local authorities to take enforcement action.”
It appears as though the UKGC have got their work cut out and they may even issue warnings and furthermore, fines too. This can be the case if these pubs do not step up their game in reducing underage fruit machine gambling.