Gaming machine licensing

Under the Gaming Act 1968 a permit is needed for premises that provide amusements with prizes by way of machines.

For all cash prize machines the maximum charge for playing a game is set at 30p and the maximum cash prize for £15. The machines can only be played by people who are 18 years old and over.

For other machines the maximum payout is £5 in cash or £8 in tokens or gifts and there are no age restrictions on these types of machines.

A permit is granted for 3 years. The fee is £250 for an all cash prize machine permit and £32 for a permit for the other types of machines.

The Licensing Act 2003 transferred the responsibility for machines in licensed premises from the Licensing Magistrates to local authorities, including Oxford City Council.

Page last reviewed 7 Apr 2008