Machines
Guidance
Category C Machines Responsible management code for pub operators
Version 3: August 2013
Category C Machines Responsible management code for pub operators The BBPA has had a voluntary code of practice on the responsible management of gaming machines for a number of years. The first code, introduced in 1998, ensured pub operators did not allow under-18s to play gaming machines, an area that at the time the law itself did not address. The code was revised in 2004 and this latest version takes into account changes introduced by the Gambling Act.
1. Underage access to machines Pubs should make staff aware of the law surrounding underage access to gaming machines – under the Gambling Act 2005 it is illegal for those under the age of 18 to play Category C ‘AWP’ machines. Pubs operating machines should put in place systems to prevent underage access to gaming machines. These could include: o An age verification policy in respect of gaming machines – if someone playing the machine looks under-18, challenge them to produce identification; o Refusing access to the machine if unable to prove they are 18 or over – adopting a ‘Challenge 21’ approach with regard to machines; o Acceptable forms of ID include photocard with PASS hologram, driving licence, passport, UK military ID; o Asking those unable to prove they are 18 or over to leave the premises if they persist in trying to access the machine. Pubs operating machines should also be aware of the Gambling Commission code of practice regarding underage play, which can be found here.
2 British Beer & Pub Association, Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London, EC2V 7HR
2. Siting of machines All Category C machines situated on the premises must be located in a place within the premises so that their use can be supervised, either by staff whose duties include such supervision (including bar or floor staff) or by other means. Pubs operating machines with a permit (i.e. more than two machines) should be aware of the Gambling Commission code of practice regarding the siting of machines on alcohol licensed premises, which can be found here.
3. Social responsibility messaging Category C machines supplied to pubs now incorporate no-under 18s to play messaging and the GamCare helpline number; BBPA member advertising of prize increases have prominently featured ‘no under 18s to play’ messaging, in addition to the Gamcare helpline number. Similar messages will be included in any future customer-facing advertising endorsed by the Association relating to gaming machine prize levels, and members have been encouraged to incorporate social responsibility messages in their own advertising distributed to their pub estates.
3 British Beer & Pub Association, Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London, EC2V 7HR
Further information
British Beer & Pub Association Gambling Commission
www.beerandpub.com www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk
Responsible Gambling Trust
www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk
Gordon Moody Association
www.gordonmoody.co.uk
4 British Beer & Pub Association, Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London, EC2V 7HR
Category C Machines Responsible management code for pub operators
Version 3: August 2013
Category C Machines Responsible management code for pub operators The BBPA has had a voluntary code of practice on the responsible management of gaming machines for a number of years. The first code, introduced in 1998, ensured pub operators did not allow under-18s to play gaming machines, an area that at the time the law itself did not address. The code was revised in 2004 and this latest version takes into account changes introduced by the Gambling Act.
1. Underage access to machines Pubs should make staff aware of the law surrounding underage access to gaming machines – under the Gambling Act 2005 it is illegal for those under the age of 18 to play Category C ‘AWP’ machines. Pubs operating machines should put in place systems to prevent underage access to gaming machines. These could include: o An age verification policy in respect of gaming machines – if someone playing the machine looks under-18, challenge them to produce identification; o Refusing access to the machine if unable to prove they are 18 or over – adopting a ‘Challenge 21’ approach with regard to machines; o Acceptable forms of ID include photocard with PASS hologram, driving licence, passport, UK military ID; o Asking those unable to prove they are 18 or over to leave the premises if they persist in trying to access the machine. Pubs operating machines should also be aware of the Gambling Commission code of practice regarding underage play, which can be found here.
2 British Beer & Pub Association, Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London, EC2V 7HR
2. Siting of machines All Category C machines situated on the premises must be located in a place within the premises so that their use can be supervised, either by staff whose duties include such supervision (including bar or floor staff) or by other means. Pubs operating machines with a permit (i.e. more than two machines) should be aware of the Gambling Commission code of practice regarding the siting of machines on alcohol licensed premises, which can be found here.
3. Social responsibility messaging Category C machines supplied to pubs now incorporate no-under 18s to play messaging and the GamCare helpline number; BBPA member advertising of prize increases have prominently featured ‘no under 18s to play’ messaging, in addition to the Gamcare helpline number. Similar messages will be included in any future customer-facing advertising endorsed by the Association relating to gaming machine prize levels, and members have been encouraged to incorporate social responsibility messages in their own advertising distributed to their pub estates.
3 British Beer & Pub Association, Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London, EC2V 7HR
Further information
British Beer & Pub Association Gambling Commission
www.beerandpub.com www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk
Responsible Gambling Trust
www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk
Gordon Moody Association
www.gordonmoody.co.uk
4 British Beer & Pub Association, Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London, EC2V 7HR
