The UK Gambling Commission will introduce new standards for gaming machines to improve consumer protection, gambling management tools and responsible game design.
The changes follow the Commission’s review of gaming machine technical standards under the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper. The regulator published its final response on September 30, 2026, after considering more than 1,000 consultation responses.
New Machines Must Show Session Information
New Category B gaming machines will need to provide consumers with access to gambling management tools and session information showing elapsed playing time and net position.
The information will appear by default, while customers can choose to hide it after a minimum break in play. Licensees will also have access to session information to support their regulatory responsibilities, including identifying and responding to potential signs of gambling harm.
The new standards will also introduce limit-setting functionality for new gaming machines across several categories, including A, B1, B2, B3, B3A and B4.
Responsible Game Design Changes
The Commission will prohibit new gaming machines from celebrating awards below the stake size. It will also prohibit features that allow customers to reduce the time before a result appears, including functions such as turbo, quick spin and slam stop.
These measures aim to reduce gameplay intensity and improve transparency around machine outcomes.
Rules Roll Out From 2027
The Commission will introduce the changes in stages. A new definition of a gaming machine session will take effect on March 30, 2027, while most of the new technical standards will take effect on June 30, 2027. Staff alert requirements will follow on October 3, 2028.
Existing gaming machines will generally remain outside the new requirements because retrofitting them could create significant technical and financial costs without proportionate consumer benefits. The Commission also adjusted the rules to address privacy and reduce unnecessary staff and consumer alerts.
The regulator has encouraged operators, manufacturers and other stakeholders to begin preparing for the implementation timeline.
