Arcades

Under the Gambling Act 2005, Amusement Arcades are divided into three types -

  • Adult Gaming Centres (AGC's)
  • Licensed Family Entertainment Centres (FEC's)
  • Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres (unlicensed FEC's)

Adult Gaming Centres (AGC's)

An AGC can offer up to 4 Category B3/4 machines and an unlimited number of Category C and D machines (See our other related items on the right, Gaming Machines section for definition of machine categories and the prizes they are allowed to offer).

They must hold the relevant operating and personal licences from the Gambling Commission and a premises licence from their local Licensing Authority.

No one under the age of 18 years is permitted to enter an AGC.

Family Entertainment Centres (FEC's)

FEC's fall into two categories, those offering:

  1. an unlimited number of Category C and D gaming machines, with the Category C machines located in an 'adult only' area.  This requires an operating licence from the Gambling Commission and a relevant premises licence from the local Licensing Authority.
     
  2. an unlimited number of Category D gaming machines.  This requires a Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre Permit from the local Licensing Authority.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, licensed AGC's and FEC's need an operating licence from the Gambling Commission, and the majority of Senior Management will need personal licences.

For further information, please contact the Licensing Unit on 01268 882480 or www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.