Notify the council about gaming machines
If you hold an alcohol premises licence with a bar, you get an automatic entitlement to make up to two category C or D gaming machines (fruit machines, quiz machines) available, as long as you notify the licensing authority and pay the fee.
If you hold an alcohol premises licence with a bar, you get an automatic entitlement to make up to two category C or D gaming machines (fruit machines, quiz machines) available, as long as you notify the licensing authority and pay the fee. Want more than two machines, you need a full Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit instead.
Providing gaming machines without notifying the council, or beyond your automatic entitlement without a permit, is an offence under the Gambling Act 2005 and can also put your premises licence at risk on review.
Automatic entitlement covers up to 2 machines; apply for a full permit for more.
Who this is for
Any licensed bar, pub or club that wants fruit machines, quiz machines or similar low-stake gaming machines on the premises.
Requires an existing on-premises alcohol licence with a bar where drinks are served without a food-only condition.
What you’ll hold
- Gaming machine notification receipt or permit
Watch out for
- Installing machines before the notification fee is actually paid and acknowledged. The entitlement only exists once the council has processed it, not from the date you submit.
- Going over two machines without upgrading to a full permit. The automatic entitlement is strictly capped at two — a third machine needs the Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit.
- Forgetting the permit lapses with the premises licence. If your alcohol licence is surrendered, revoked or lapses, the gaming machine entitlement goes with it.
Sources
- Gambling Commission — Gaming machines in alcohol-licensed premises checked 2026-09-08
See also
This is item 36 of 66 in the free UK Launch Checklist. See the whole list →