Changing the rules on AWPs

Landlords will be aware that they are sometimes called upon to act as umpires on the question of AWP (Amusement with Prizes) machine payouts being short, when an angry customer complains that the machine has cheated him or her.

These days, most machines are extremely reliable and failures are extremely rare. But these are highly technical pieces of equipment managed by a separate division or unit in many operating companies.

However, on a day-to-day basis the machine faces the bar and the first port of call for the disillusioned player is the pub staff.

Rules about machines used in pubs are being changed as a result of the new Gambling Act, and a new-style permit, as most of you know, is taking over from the old section 34 justices' permission.

Recently, a lively debate has ensued on the questions of residues: this is where some money is left in the machine when the player has finished playing, because, for example, it is not enough to play a single game again, but cannot be returned because the correct change is not available.

As a matter of policy, the Gambling Commission and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) want that money to be left on the machine, rather than being taken by the operator. They think the next player should have the advantage of using it - rather like that extra hour on a parking meter you are sometimes lucky enough to find.

They also want a statement on machines which tells the customer that this is the case, and are insisting that prizes due to a player must be made available at the time, not reserved for future play unless the player decides to re-commit the money.

Use of credit meters is widespread and most players use winnings to play again, but they must be given the opportunity to "collect" at any stage.

Consultation ends today but the machine industry will continue to debate technical issues with the DCMS for some time yet. The new laws come into effect on 1 September.