Gaming machines
Fruit machines, fixed odds betting terminals, slot machines, pusher and crane grab machines are all gaming machines. The player generally wins by matching the symbols, usually fruit, on the central line of three reels.
Gaming machines are found in lots of different places like family entertainment centres, pubs, adult gaming centres, clubs and bingo halls. Bookmakers also site Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) in their betting shops. Gaming machines have different maximum prize and bet limits.
Machine categories
There are four broad categories of gaming machine, depending on the take and the maximum prize they can pay out. Category A machines would only be allowed in the new supercasino, if that went ahead. Category B machines are divided into four sub-categories (not shown here):
| Category | Maximum stake (£) | Maximum prize (£) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| B | Varies, but includes £1 and £2 | Varies from £250 to £4000 |
| C | 50p | £25 |
| D | 10p(30p when non-monetary prize) | £5 cash or £8 non-monetary prize |
Types of machine
Fruit machines
Fruit machines, also known as gaming, jackpot, amusement-with-prize or all-cash machines, use a random number generator to determine whether you have won or lost. If you win, the display often shows three identical symbols in a row.
Crane grab machine
A crane grab machine uses a mechanical arm to try to pick up prize such as a soft toy and drop it into the chute.
Fixed Odds Betting Terminal (FOBTs)
FOBTs are made available by bookmakers in betting shops. FOBT users can bet on a variety of ‘events’, such as representations of horseracing, greyhound racing, football penalty shoot-outs and roulette. The outcome of such games is operated by a random number generator.
Pusher machine
A gaming machine with a moving tray carrying various items which can be dislodged into a chute by coins pushed in by the player. The dislodged items are then won by the player. They include red and black plaques which can be exchanged for prizes.