The UK government has reportedly deferred plans to rework slot machine ratios in adult gaming centres (AGCs).
Newspaper The Guardian says it has seen a letter from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which says it would not be changing the 80/20 rule this year.
The DCMS reportedly did not rule out implementing the plan at a later stage – but said for now it has “concerns about the strength of protections for vulnerable people in the adult gaming centre sector.”
The current ruling mandates AGCs in establishments such as arcades to ensure 80 per cent of slot machines are Category C or D, which accept a maximum stake of £1 for jackpots of up to £100.
Up to 20 per cent can be B3 machines, which accept stakes up to £2 and offer prizes up to £500.
The government said previously that it was considering either a new 50/50 rule or scrapping the 80/20 rule altogether.
Bacta president John Bollom told The Guardian: “We are frustrated with the delay in resolving the 80/20 issue, which was a key modernising proposal in the gambling white paper, but we remain hopeful that we will see the same progress as other sectors; and that when the minister looks again she will see this reform for what it is – common sense, safe for players and good for our ailing high streets.”
