Gaming Industry (Hansard, 19 March 2001)

§ Lord Bassam of Brighton

We are today publishing a consultation document which sets out proposals for an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, or, if it is enacted, the Government's Regulatory Refom Bill, to change certain aspects of the gaming machine industry. Our consultation document makes three specific proposals that would alter the law contained in the Gaming Act 1968 on jackpot and higher-value amusement with prizes machines.

First, we propose to allow players to use bank notes and electronic smartcards in these machines. Secondly, we propose to allow winnings to be stored in these machines to be used for further plays without the player having to reinsert money into the machine. Finally, we propose to allow these machines to be set so as to pay out winnings in cash (notes or coins) by printing a cheque, by adding credit to the player's smartcard or by means of a credit note or token redeemable by the operator.

The Government believe that these reforms will benefit both the industry and its customers. The consultation document asks for comment by 15 June 2001. Copies are being placed in the Library.