According to the latest news from the British Gambling Commission, licensed manufacturers and wholesalers are a major source of gaming machines being operated in the illegal market. The Commission is now considering the issue and may introduce a requirement to report the disposal or recycling of machines as a ‘key event’ or as part of a regulatory return. Manufacturers and suppliers of gaming machines have been asked to supply any information regarding these illegal machines.

In the latest bid to prevent gaming machines being used illegally, a joint operation between the Gambling Commission, police and local council has resulted in a Lancashire man receiving a criminal caution for supplying gaming machines to an alcohol licensed premises in Rossendale. A similar joint operation, this time in Blackpool, uncovered illegal machines in several hotels and guest houses. The owners of the premises have been told to act immediately to avoid further action from the Council. Further enquiries are being conducted into the supply of the machines.

The Gambling Commission’s Regional Compliance Manager for the North-West, David Thornton, said: “Businesses supplying or making gaming machines available for use without a licence risk action from the Commission or its local enforcement partners. Both operations unearthed intelligence about the original source of the machines and we will follow that up.”

The Commission has conducted more than 20 joint operations with local authorities since it launched a nationwide drive targeting illegal suppliers of gaming machines last September. As part of the work, 294 visits to raise awareness or obtain information from operators were made in the six months from September last year to March 2009. (E-09.14.09)

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