Category D covers a range of lower-stake gaming and amusement machines.

The rules differ depending upon the particular type of Category D machine, so it is important not to assume that every Category D machine has identical stake and prize limits.

They are frequently encountered in amusement and entertainment environments as well as other eligible premises.

How Many Fruit Machines Can a Pub Have?

This is one of the most important questions for pub landlords considering fruit machine hire.

Qualifying premises with an appropriate alcohol licence can have an automatic entitlement to one or two Category C or D gaming machines, provided the appropriate notification is made to the relevant licensing authority.

A pub wanting more than two machines will generally need the appropriate licensed premises gaming machine permit.

The precise circumstances of the premises matter, so operators should check the current requirements before installing equipment.

[Read our complete guide: How Many Fruit Machines Can a Pub Have?]

Do Pubs Need a Licence for Fruit Machines?

The answer depends on the number and category of machines.

For qualifying alcohol-licensed premises, the Gambling Act provides an automatic entitlement to one or two Category C or D gaming machines, subject to notification to the licensing authority.

Different requirements apply when additional machines are required.

This distinction is important because having an alcohol premises licence does not mean that unlimited gaming machines can simply be installed.

Fruit Machines for Pubs

Pubs remain one of the environments most closely associated with fruit machines in Britain.

Choosing a pub fruit machine involves considering:

• Machine category
• Customer profile
• Game selection
• Cabinet size
• Available space
• Stake and prize limits
• Machine performance
• Hire arrangement
• Maintenance support
• Applicable permissions

Our pub guides explain the different options in greater detail.

Fruit Machines for Clubs

Clubs can have different gaming machine entitlements from pubs.

The applicable rules can also depend on the type of club, so operators should establish the status of their premises before choosing equipment.

Our club fruit machine guides explain the main considerations and terminology.

Traditional vs Digital Fruit Machines

Modern operators can choose between different styles of machine.

Traditional fruit machines typically use physical reels and familiar symbols, while modern digital machines can provide multiple games through a single screen-based cabinet.

Neither format is automatically right for every venue.

Customer demographics, available space and the type of entertainment already provided should all be considered.

How Does Fruit Machine Hire Work?

Hiring allows a business to operate suitable equipment without necessarily purchasing the machine outright.

The exact commercial arrangement varies between suppliers.

Depending upon the agreement, it may cover:

• Machine installation
• Regular rental payments
• Maintenance
• Fault repairs
• Machine replacement
• Game changes
• Collection at the end of the agreement

Operators should establish exactly what is included before signing a hire agreement.

How Much Does Fruit Machine Hire Cost?

There isn’t one standard price for hiring a fruit machine.

Costs can vary according to the machine, location, length and structure of the agreement and services included.

A newer digital gaming machine may have a different commercial arrangement from an older reel-based machine.

Rather than comparing price alone, businesses should consider what the agreement actually includes.

Should I Hire or Buy a Fruit Machine?

Buying gives the operator ownership of the equipment, whereas hiring can reduce the initial capital required and may provide access to servicing or replacement arrangements.

The better option depends upon the individual business.

Important factors include purchase price, hire charges, maintenance costs, expected machine life and how frequently the operator wants to change equipment.

[Read: Fruit Machine Hire vs Buying]

Who Can Supply Fruit Machines?

The supply of gaming machines is regulated in Great Britain.

Businesses supplying, installing, adapting, maintaining or repairing gaming machines may require appropriate Gambling Commission licences depending on their activities.

Venue operators should therefore understand who is supplying their equipment and whether the appropriate regulatory requirements apply.

Machine Games Duty

Businesses operating machines that offer cash prizes may also need to consider Machine Games Duty (MGD).

The tax treatment depends upon the machines and circumstances involved.

Machine Games Duty is administered by HM Revenue & Customs and is separate from the Gambling Commission’s regulatory requirements.

Fruit Machine Terminology

The industry contains terminology that can be confusing when you’re new to gaming machines.

Our glossary explains terms including:

AWP – historically used for “amusement with prizes”.

Category C – a regulated gaming machine category commonly associated with pubs.

Category D – a category covering several types of lower-stake gaming and amusement machines.

Stake – the amount wagered to play.

Prize – the amount or item that can be won.

Reel-based machine – a machine using physical or simulated reels as part of its gameplay.

Digital machine – a screen-based gaming machine that may provide multiple games.