Breckland, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border of England, is one of the largest rural districts in the country. It is home to five market towns, the largest being Thetford. Businesses in Breckland are being advised to check the legality of installing gaming machines also known as fruit machines, or they could risk facing a fine. In a recent joint enforcement initiative by Breckland Council’s Licensing Team and the UK Gambling Commission, six businesses in Thetford were found to have gaming machines on their premises without the relevant permits.

Patrick O’Brien, Licensing Officer at the Council said: "We were disappointed to find that businesses had unlicensed machines in operation. We asked for the machines to be removed immediately and we will be revisiting all those places to make sure that has happened. In the next few weeks we will also be making similar spot check visits to premises throughout the district. We understand there may be some confusion around the law, but businesses should be aware that to operate a machine without a valid licence is against the law and they could be prosecuted for it."

Ann Steward, Executive Member for the Environment in Breckland Council, said, "Since the introduction of the Gambling Act 2005, we have been able to use more effective methods, working with other agencies, to clampdown on illegal gaming machines. We are investigating all aspects of illegal gaming, including those that have them on their businesses premises and also those who supply the machines in the first place. Our advice to businesses is to ensure you are aware of the correct permits for having a gaming machine on your premises or you could be breaking the law."

Tony Arnold, Compliance Manager at the Gambling Commission for the Breckland area said, "The Gambling Commission's aim is to ensure that gambling is crime free, fair and safe for all. We can best achieve this with cooperation and multi-agency working and this is an example of that in action. Penalties on conviction for having illegally sited gaming machines could ultimately result in a prison sentence up to 51 weeks or a fine up to £5000 or both.” (E-06.23.09)

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