Category C Fruit Machines – Complete Guide
Category C fruit machines are one of the gaming machine categories most commonly associated with pubs in Great Britain.
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Category C Fruit Machines
– Complete Guide
Category C fruit machines are one of the gaming machine categories most commonly associated with pubs in Great Britain.
Under current Gambling Commission limits, a Category C machine has a maximum stake of £1 and maximum prize of £100.
They can be made available in pubs and several other types of eligible premises, subject to the appropriate licensing, notification or permit requirements.
This guide explains what Category C machines are, where they can be used and what pub and venue operators should know before hiring one.
What Is a Category C Fruit Machine?
Category C is a regulated gaming machine classification.
Many machines within this category resemble what most people traditionally think of as a British pub fruit machine, although modern Category C equipment can also use digital technology and offer different styles of gameplay.
The defining factor isn’t whether the machine uses traditional physical reels or a modern digital screen.
It is the regulatory category under which the machine operates.
Category C Maximum Stake and Prize
Current Category C limits are:
Maximum stake: £1
Maximum prize: £100
These limits are set within the gaming machine regulatory framework and may change in the future.
Venue operators should therefore check current Gambling Commission information when installing or replacing machines.
Where Can Category C Machines Be Located?
Category C machines can be permitted in locations including:
- Pubs
- Licensed family entertainment centres
- Members’ clubs
- Miners’ welfare clubs
- Commercial clubs
- Bingo premises
- Adult gaming centres
- Betting shops
- Certain tracks
- Casinos
The number of machines permitted and authorisation required varies according to the type of premises.
Category C Fruit Machine FAQs
What is the maximum stake on a Category C fruit machine?
The current maximum stake is £1.
What is the maximum jackpot?
The current maximum prize for a Category C machine is £100.
Can under-18s play Category C machines?
No. Category C gaming is restricted to adults.
Can pubs have Category C machines?
Yes, subject to the relevant alcohol-licensed premises provisions, notification or permit requirements.
Can a pub have two Category C machines?
Qualifying alcohol-licensed premises have an automatic entitlement to up to two Category C or D machines after the appropriate notification.
Can a pub have more than two?
Potentially. A licensed premises gaming machine permit can authorise a specified number of Category C or D machines.
Are Category C machines only found in pubs?
No. They can also be permitted in various other licensed or permitted premises.
Can Category C fruit machines be digital?
Yes. A machine being digital does not itself prevent it from operating within Category C.
Category C Fruit Machine Hire
If you’re considering Category C fruit machine hire, establish the requirements of your premises before selecting equipment.
FruitMachineHire.com provides information about fruit machine categories, pub requirements, machine hire and choosing suitable gaming equipment.
Explore our Fruit Machine Hire section to learn more about available options for pubs, clubs and other eligible venues.
Category C Fruit Machines in Pubs
Pubs are particularly relevant to Category C machines.
Qualifying alcohol-licensed premises have an automatic entitlement to make up to two Category C or D gaming machines available after giving the required notification to their local licensing authority.
A pub wanting more machines generally needs to apply for a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
Are Category C Fruit Machines 18+?
Yes.
People under 18 must not play Category C gaming machines.
This is an important distinction between Category C and Category D equipment.
Operators of premises containing Category C machines should therefore ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent underage play.
Traditional Category C Fruit Machines
Traditional machines are often associated with physical reels, illuminated buttons, feature boards and familiar fruit-machine gameplay.
These machines remain instantly recognisable as part of the traditional British pub environment.
Digital Category C Machines
Modern Category C machines may use digital displays rather than relying solely on mechanical or physical reels.
Depending on the particular equipment, a digital cabinet may provide a broader selection of games and features.
However, a digital Category C game remains subject to Category C requirements.
Return to Player
Category C machines are required to display their theoretical target percentage return to player (RTP).
RTP describes an average calculated across a large number of games. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of what an individual player will receive during a particular session.
The Gambling Commission does not currently impose a minimum RTP for Category C machines, but the relevant average return information must be displayed.
Hiring a Category C Fruit Machine
For pub operators, hiring can provide an alternative to purchasing a machine outright.
Before entering an agreement, establish:
- Which machine is being supplied
- Machine category
- Hire charge
- Agreement length
- Installation arrangements
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Fault and repair procedures
- Machine replacement arrangements
- Collection terms
The exact commercial arrangement can vary significantly between suppliers.
Choosing a Category C Machine for a Pub
The highest-profile machine isn’t necessarily the best choice for every pub.
Consider your customer base, available floor space, existing entertainment, machine style and how frequently the equipment may be changed.
You should also ensure that the machine supplied is appropriate for the permissions held by your premises.
Category C Machine Maintenance
Gaming machines need to remain compliant with applicable technical requirements.
Businesses manufacturing, supplying, installing, adapting, maintaining or repairing gaming machines can also be subject to Gambling Commission licensing requirements.
For a pub operator, using an appropriate supplier is therefore an important part of the process.
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