The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will introduce new rules around the immediate discarding of non-compliant gaming machines from casinos.

Under the current rules of the Gambling Act 2005, land-based permit holders need to ensure that their on-site machines are fully compliant with consumer use regulations.

This means that if machines are found to be not fit-for-purpose, operators need to take immediate action and make sure the shortcomings are dealt with in time for a second on-site inspection – essentially withdrawing faulty machines from gaming venues whilst liabilities are fixed.  

However, from 29 July new rules will demand that gaming machines be immediately removed from the premises altogether if the UKGC finds issues or discrepancies related to the manufacture, supplier, installation, adaption, maintenance or repair under a technical operating licence or any other standard.

The rule came about after the Commission collected feedback during the January 2025 consultation on the Gaming Machine Technical Standards – part of the wider implementation of the 62 recommendations listed in the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper.

Stakeholder responses to the consultation revealed a majority support for the introduction of the licence condition, with Tim Miller, UKGC Executive Director of Research and Policy, further highlighting the importance of a revised gaming machines framework.

“The White Paper sets out that a top priority is ensuring that gambling happens safely. We share this commitment and today’s consultation proposes how we could implement gaming machine changes in the land-based sector,” Miller then said.

“We recognise that regulatory changes that impact the design of machines can come with considerable costs. We are encouraging consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups to share evidence that will assist us in measuring both the likely regulatory impacts of the proposed changes and the likely costs of implementing them. 

“This evidence will be invaluable to helping make a robust assessment on whether the benefits to consumers are proportionate to the costs involved.”

The change in policy marks the first major policy adoption around gaming machines since the DCMS opted to retain the 80/20 rule on ratios in adult gaming centres and bingo venues – meaning 80% of venues need to be low stake £1 Category C or D machines while no more than 20% can be higher £2 stake B3 machines.

From 22 July, UK-licensed casinos have been permitted to adopt the 80/20 machine ratio, subject to compliance with new floor space and venue size requirements.However, the reform has been paused for high-street arcades and bingo halls, after policymakers raised concerns that it could accelerate the concentration of higher-risk gaming machines across town centres.

Adult gaming centres (AGCs) are now finding themselves under a political microscope in 2026, with various politicians, led by Labour’s Dawn Butler MP, voicing concerns about the availability of gambling on UK high streets.