Gaming machines have been around for decades, providing entertainment and the possibility of winning big payouts for lucky players. One of the requirements for players is the minimum deposit to play these machines. In the United Kingdom, gaming machines at offline premises and online casinos are based on the minimum deposit requirement and maximum prize, with each category having its specific requirements and locations. In this article, we will explore the different categories of minimum-deposit gaming machines.
Category B1 Slot Machines
This type of electronic gaming machine is only available in casinos and is designed to offer players the chance to win a range of prizes, from small cash payouts to larger jackpot wins.
Main Requirements
To be classified as a Category B1 machine, it must meet certain requirements including a maximum stake of £5, a maximum prize of £10,000, and a maximum £20,000 progressive jackpot prize. Additionally, the maximum number of machines must be up to 150.
Gambling Locations
These machines are typically found in the casino operators with licences granted under the Gaming 2005 Act and 1968 Act, which is offered by the UK Gambling Commission.
Category B2 Slot Machines
Known as fixed-odds betting terminals or FOBT, B2 gaming machines may include games of more than one category. This means B2 gaming machines may contain B3 category and category C games. These machines are classified as Category B2 because they have a maximum stake limit of £2 and a maximum prize payout of £500.
Main Requirements
In order to be eligible for being used in gambling establishments, B2 slot machines must meet certain requirements, such as being tested and approved by a third-party testing agency to ensure they comply with the technical standards in full. Operators must also hold at least one of the operating licences like the non-remote 2005 Act casino operating licence, non-remote 1968 Act casino operating licence, non-remote general betting standard operating licence, and non-remote pool betting licence.
Gambling Locations
Category B2 slot machines can be found in a variety of gambling locations, including gambling operators who hold the 2005 Act and 1968 Act casinos, tracks with pool betting, and betting shops.
Category B3/B3A Slot Machines
Category B3/B3A slot machines are the types of gaming machines that may offer games with free spin of more than one category. For instance, these machines may also provide category C and category D games. In slot machines with category B3/B3A, the manufacturer will decide the RTP of the game.
Main Requirements
In order to be classified as a Category B3/B3A slot machine, it must meet the following requirements:
- A maximum stake of £2 and a maximum payout of £500
- B3 must be up to a maximum of 20% of the total number of machines in the adult gaming centre and bingo premises.
- In the betting shops and tracks with pool betting B3 machines must be not less than 4
- B3A maximum number of machines is up to 1
- A gaming machine technical licence is required for a B3A machine manufacturer or supplier
Gambling Locations
B3 machines can be found in casinos, tracks with pool betting, bingo halls, adult gaming centres, or betting shops. However, B3A machines can only be sited in the members’ clubs and miners’ welfare institutes. They cannot be sited in commercial clubs, so the operators must have a club machine.
Category B4 Slot Machines
These machines have certain requirements that are set out by gambling laws and regulations to ensure that they are fair and safe for players.
Main Requirements
The maximum stake that can be placed on these machines is £2 while the maximum prize that can be won is £400.
Gambling Locations
They are commonly found in the 2005 Act and 1968 Act casinos, betting shops, adult gaming centre, tracks with pool betting, miners’ welfare clubs, commercial club bingo premises, and members’ clubs.
Category C Slot Machines
These slot machines are commonly found in pubs and other alcohol-licensed premises as these operators automatically hold C or D gaming machines category once they win the licences from the local licensing authority.
Main Requirements
One of the main requirements of Category C slot machines is that they must have a maximum stake of £1 and a maximum prize of £100.
Gambling Locations
B4 Slot Machines can be played at 2005 Act and 1968 Act casinos, pubs, licensed FEC, bingo premises, betting shops, adult gaming centre, tracks with pool betting, members’ clubs, miners’ welfare clubs, or commercial clubs.
Final Words
The categories of minimum deposit gaming machines in the UK offer a range of options for players with varying interests and budgets. From high-stakes machines with large prizes to low-stakes machines with smaller prizes, there is a gaming machine for everyone.
