UK Government Delays Slot Machine Rule Reforms in Adult Gaming Centers
The UK government has paused plans to change the slot machine ratio rules in adult gaming centers (AGCs), drawing criticism from the arcade gaming industry while being welcomed by player protection advocates. The current 80/20 rule, which governs how many high-stakes and low-stakes machines can be installed in gaming venues, will remain unchanged throughout 2025.
No Reform to 80/20 Slot Machine Rule in 2025
According to a recent statement by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), there are no plans to revise the existing 80/20 regulation this year. The rule allows only 20% of machines in an AGC to be Category B3 terminals—which permit higher stakes of up to £2 per bet and maximum winnings of £500. The remaining 80% must consist of Category C or D machines, which offer lower-stake games capped at £1 per spin and prizes up to £100.
Originally, the DCMS had considered proposals to relax the ratio to a 50/50 split, or even scrap the rule entirely, as part of the 2023 Gambling White Paper. However, mounting concerns about player vulnerability and responsible gambling standards have shifted the department’s priorities.
Why Was the Rule Change Delayed?
The delay follows increased scrutiny of the sector's practices. Notably, the Gambling Commission fined slot machine operator Merkur earlier this year, after reports surfaced of staff exploiting a vulnerable customer. The incident triggered wider concerns about how well regulated land-based gambling environments are—particularly in high street locations.
In a statement, the DCMS emphasized that protecting at-risk individuals takes precedence over deregulation, and that it will maintain a cautious approach toward land-based gambling reforms.
“Ongoing concerns about how well vulnerable people are protected have led to this decision,” a spokesperson for the department stated.
Industry Pushback: Trade Body Bacta Reacts
The government’s decision was met with disappointment from Bacta, the leading UK trade association for arcades and gaming centers. Chairman John Bollom expressed frustration, calling the delay a missed opportunity to modernize outdated gaming laws.
“We believe the proposed changes are both responsible and commercially necessary,” said Bollom. “We remain hopeful that future reforms will still be considered.”
Bacta has long argued that relaxing the rules would not only be safe for consumers, but also support local gaming venues facing economic strain from outdated machines and high operational costs.
Divided Public Response
While industry groups were disappointed, Labour MP Beccy Cooper praised the decision. She called for even stricter controls on gambling outlets and advocated for local councils to have more say in regulating the number and location of adult gaming venues in their constituencies.
“This is a positive step, but we must go further,” Cooper said. “Communities deserve more control over gambling visibility and access.”
What Comes Next?
Although the 80/20 rule will remain in effect through 2025, the DCMS has not ruled out the possibility of future reforms. For now, the focus will remain on safeguarding players and addressing regulatory failures in the AGC sector.
This decision marks a shift toward tighter oversight of land-based gambling as the UK continues implementing the broader reforms outlined in its white paper, which also includes stricter controls on online gambling operators.
Conclusion: Player Protection Trumps Deregulation in 2025
As debates continue around balancing commercial interests with social responsibility, the UK government has chosen to err on the side of caution. With rising public pressure for stronger regulation, the message is clear: safeguarding vulnerable gamblers will take precedence over industry demands for deregulation—at least for now.