Gaming machine review fast-tracked

Trade bodies have welcomed the government's decision to fast-track a review of gaming machine prizes.

Last week minister Gerry Sutcliffe announced the review of category C and D machines (50p stake/£35 prize and 10p stake/£10 prize machines respectively) will now go ahead a year earlier than originally planned, in 2009, with a consultation launched immediately.

Sutcliffe said he was bringing forward the review to "give the industry certainty and to enable it to plan properly" in light of "difficult trading conditions which many operators are now reporting."

But he warned that higher prize money would not be a panacea for the industry's woes.

"While I understand that some parts of the industry are experiencing difficulties, ever increasing stake and prize levels should not be a general solution to the industry's economic problems," he said.

British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) director of pub and leisure Martin Rawlings welcomed the review.

He said: "We've asked for an increase in prizes for a long time to make them in line with customer expectations".

He added that he hoped the review will lead to machines in pubs with prizes up to £75.

Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL), which represents more than 100 private sector companies in the sport, hospitality and leisure industry, said it was "delighted" with the move.

BISL chief executive, Brigid Simmonds said: "It is crucial that Department of Culture Media and Sport now move ahead swiftly with the consultation process to avoid uncertainty and to deliver these welcome proposals into reality as soon as possible."

Sutcliffe also announced eased restrictions on the number of £1 stake/£500 prize game machines in bingo halls to ease pressure on an industry that has seen around 15 per cent of clubs close in the last four years.