Under the Gaming Act 1968, a licence is needed for premises that provide amusements with prizes by way of machines.
The type of machines that fall under the Council's control are the small payment "fruit" machines normally found in amusement arcades.
The maximum charge for playing a game is set at 30p and the maximum cash prize for "all cash" prize machines is £25. The all cash prize machines can only be played by people who are 18 years old and over. For other machines the maximum payout is £5 cash or £8 in tokens or gifts and there are no age restrictions on these types of machines.
Most amusement arcades/centres operate a voluntary code which excludes people under 16 from entering premises to play gaming machines, however there is no law which prevents children from playing the arcade machines other than the all cash prize machines.
Games of skill such as quiz machines, and amusement only machines such as "space invaders" do not require a licence under the Gaming Act 1968.
A licence is granted for a period of 3 years. The fee is £250 for an "all cash" prize machine licence and £34 for a permit for the other types of machines.
Copies of the Gaming Act 1968 can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
For further information or to view a copy of the legislation or to obtain a licence application form, please contact the Licensing Section of the Environmental Services Directorate using the Contact Information details listed below.
Telephone: 0161 770 4730/1
E-mail: licensing@oldham.gov.uk
Address: Licensing Unit, North House, 130, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JA