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Maximum stake on betting machines

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18

WQ.98/2018

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE

MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 26th JUNE 2018

Question

Will the Minister advise members what the current maximum stake is that can be made on betting machines in the Island and whether he proposes to follow the U.K. lead in reducing that maximum amount to £2; if so, when will the change be implemented and, if not, why not?

Answer

The Jersey Gambling Commission licenses several categories of gambling and gaming machines. Gaming Machines Type II are restricted to Licenced Betting Offices, limited to four per premises and governed by an Article 9 Policy (Gambling (Jersey) Law 2012) and subject to a Code of Practice which sets out, amongst other points of compliance, stakes and prizes. For completeness, the maximum stake and prize categories are described in the following tables:

 

Gambling Machine Category

Maximum Stake per Game

Maximum Prize

Category 1

Up to £50p

Up to £10

Category 2

Up to £1

Up to £50

Category 3

Up to £1

Up to £100

Category 4

Up to £2

Up to £250

 

Gaming Machine Type II

Maximum Stake per Game

Maximum Prize

Category B

Range £1-£100

Up to £500

Category B2

£100

Up to £500

Category B3

£2

Up to £500

Category B4

£2

Up to £500

Category C (Digital)

£1

Up to £70

While the average spend on Type II machines in Jersey is in the region of £2 - £3 per stake, I am cognizant of the recent announcement by the UK Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DDCMS), at the end of the triennial review, to reduce stakes across machines sited in Licensed Betting Offices.

The States Assembly placed upon the Gambling Commission the necessity to consult on Codes of Practice:

5 (4) For the purpose of paragraph (2) an amendment of a code is significant if, in the opinion of the Commission, it would significantly alter the effect of the code on –

  1. any burden imposed on providers of gambling services; or
  2. any protection afforded to consumers of gambling services

Mindful of this duty, the Jersey Gambling Commission has commenced discussions with the suppliers of Gaming Machine Type II content and, after consultation with me, it will later launch a full consultation with the industry and addiction support groups on stake reductions.

It is understood DDCMS proposals will require parliamentary approval and engagement with the gambling industry to ensure sufficient time is given to implement and complete the technological changes. The U.K. changes, dependent on a parliamentary vote, will likely take place in 2019.