Download Gaming machine technical standards - consultation

function, before authorising a new or altered product, and when undertaking decisions on
licensing. We will be consulting further on test processes later this year.
The Commission’s broad approach
11.
As stated in our earlier consultation document, Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice,
we have reviewed the current gaming machine guidelines and standards operated in other
jurisdictions and have considered not only the licensing objectives but also, subject to those
objectives, the need to avoid unnecessary restrictions on the development of games or the
way in which they are provided.
12.
As a result of our review we have now developed machine standards which are similar in
nature to those operated in the US and Australia, which we consider to be the most suitable
model on which to base our own requirements. It is important to note that the ‘model’ which
is referred to here relates only to the machines standards from these countries, which are
rigorous and detailed. The Act sets out a different approach in general to the location and
operation of gaming machines. The proposed standards have been developed by
examining and addressing the possible risks associated with each category of machine. For
example, in the case of category D machines - which may be played by children - the
standards have more restrictions on the types of gambling or game features permitted, but
will be less onerous in terms of the software and hardware requirements when compared to
higher categories of machine.
13.
The Act ensures that there is no licensing requirement relating to nationality or location: the
Commission will accept applications for licences from companies based in any other
jurisdiction, so long as they have an address in Britain at which notices can be served. The
regime will ensure that machines can be imported, where there is equivalence between
standards in place here and the standards of the machine to be imported.
14.
We expect to accredit a number of test houses which may have their main location
anywhere in the world. It is likely that operators will be able to submit a product to the test
house of their choice and have that product tested to the standards set by a number of
jurisdictions at the same time.
15.
This document sets out our proposals for technical standards, and is broken down into the
following sections.
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16.
Section 1: Hardware requirements
Section 2: Software requirements
Section 3: Critical memory requirements
Section 4: Payment to the machine and to the game
Section 5: Game requirements
Section 6: Error requirements
Section 7: Meter requirements
Section 8: Display requirements
Section 9: Progressive gaming devices in casinos
Although not included in this document, we will also be considering the requirements for
smart card/ loyalty card or other payment systems, for wireless communication between
back-office systems, and for downloadable games systems, and will consult separately on
these issues.
Gambling Commission
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