The proposals would:
- * Allow players to use bank notes and electronic 'smart cards' in these machines;
- * Permit machines to pay out winnings in cash (notes or coins), by printing a cheque, adding credits to the player's smart card, or by means of a credit note or token redeemable by the operator;
- * Allow winnings to be used for further plays; and
- * Remove the present requirement for machines to be able to accept payment for a single game.
Safeguards contained within the proposals include guidelines for manufacturers and suppliers which would be issued by the Gaming Board. Under these guidelines gaming machines which accept banknotes or smart cards would have to allow players to make a fresh decision to play at intervals of #2 (or less) and return any winnings and
change if they do not wish to continue playing. They will also specify #20 as the maximum denomination of banknote which can be used to play. Players would buy their smart cards from gaming machine operators and the proposals would not allow players to use credit or
debit cards.
Home Office Minister Mike O'Brien said: "These proposals aim to reduce burdens on business and give greater flexibility to machine manufacturers, suppliers and the betting
public. In today's technologically advanced gaming industry, any system which permits only coin-based transactions is quite obviously outdated and in need of reform."
"I am sure our proposals will be particularly welcomed by anyone who has had to make their way home with a jackpot in one pound coins weighing down their pockets."
For anyone looking for more information on the consultation paper, please follow this link.
