AWP jackpot increase comes into play

Related tags Slot machine

Licensees are already taking advantage of new laws that allow AWP (amusement with prizes) machines to offer higher jackpots.On New Year's Day the...

Licensees are already taking advantage of new laws that allow AWP (amusement with prizes) machines to offer higher jackpots.

On New Year's Day the maximum payout on slot machines increased from £15 to £25, because of a change in the gambling laws.

The higher jackpot is available on new machines which manufacturers made sure were ready for use on January 1.

Leisure Link, which supplies AWP machines to the pub industry said publicans are keen to have the new machines in their outlets.

Chief executive Russell Hoyle said: "The new payout level is great news for the pub industry. The new jackpot will provide pub operators with the opportunity to offer their customers an even better mix of machines."

Noble House Leisure purchasing director Jurgen Schmidt said: "The increase in the fruit machine jackpot will certainly please all our customers."

Meanwhile, the threat posed to pubs by the Government's gambling review, the Budd Report, has been explained to MPs by gaming industry organisation BACTA.

BACTA president Keith Smith has met MPs and outlined the damage that will be done to local economies, employment levels and businesses, should the report's recommendations be implemented.

He said: "The Budd recommendations will wipe out machine gaming leaving only harder alternatives. There must be a sensible, paced timetable for reform that will allow proper consideration of the impact of change.

"It cannot possibly be in the public interest to decimate jobs and local economies. The Government must recognise the report as it stands cannot proceed."

The report's recommendations include limiting the number of AWP machines allowed on premises with new licences to two.

Related stories:

MP announces AWP prize hike (22 November 2001)

Related topics Other operators

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