The Gambling Commission has published new rules regarding the removal of non-compliant gaming machines from venues, requiring all non-remote operators to act “quickly and effectively” to dispose of non-compliant products upon notification of by the regulator.
The Gambling Commission has stepped up its efforts to remove non-compliant machines from UK venues, with new rules published on 29 January informing operators of their duty to act “quickly and effectively” in response to Commission requests.
The regulatory amendment will come into force at the end of July, and the Commission argues that it forms part of efforts to implement the recommendations of the White Paper, drawn from feedback obtained during the third consultation on proposals.
“All non-remote operators must already adhere to the Gambling Act 2005 and ensure machines available for consumer use are compliant,” stated the Commission.
“But from 29 July 2026 they must also immediately remove machines if the Commission informs them that the manufacture, supply, installation, adaption, maintenance or repair of the machine was not carried out in reliance on a gaming machine technical operating licence, or did not comply with other standards.”
The Commission added that the change is aimed at “streamlining processes and ensuring non-compliant machines are swiftly removed from premises – a benefit to consumers and operators.”
The update is part of GamCom’s response to the third consultation into implementing proposals from the White Paper, with the remaining responses due to be published this summer, after the regulator has “concluded consideration of consultation responses and supplementary data, research and evidence reports submitted by stakeholders.”
But, as always with this Gambling Commission, it will determine non-compliance as it deems it, not necessarily as the data, research and evidence deems it.
That is an issue of some concern around the industry.
Informing members of the change, Bacta wrote that the new rule “strengthens the Commission’s formal powers where non-compliance is identified,” and applies to “all non-remote operating licences that make gaming machines available for use.”
“Bacta will be liaising with the Gambling Commission imminently to seek further clarity and guidance on how this will operate in practice.”
Originally published on Coinslot on February 9, 2026. Republished with permission.