Fruit machines can provide customers with additional entertainment while creating another source of income for a pub or club.
However, venue operators cannot simply install any number or category of machine they choose. The rules depend on the type of premises, the permissions held and the category of gaming machine.
In this guide, we explain how many fruit machines pubs and clubs can generally operate, which categories are permitted and what venue owners should check before installing them.
The short answer is: an eligible alcohol-licensed pub can generally provide up to two Category C or D gaming machines after notifying its local licensing authority. A pub wanting more than two must apply for a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
Club entitlements are different and depend on whether the premises is a members’ club, miners’ welfare institute or commercial club.
How many fruit machines can a pub have?
Pubs and other qualifying alcohol-licensed premises can generally provide up to two Category C or D gaming machines.
This entitlement is sometimes described as automatic, but the premises licence holder must still notify the local licensing authority and pay the applicable notification fee before making the machines available for use.
The entitlement applies to a maximum of two machines in total. For example, a pub could offer:
- Two Category C machines
- One Category C and one Category D machine
- Two Category D machines
A pub cannot use this entitlement to install Category B gaming machines.
What if a pub wants more than two machines?
A pub that wants to provide more than two Category C or D machines must apply to its local licensing authority for a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
The licensing authority will consider the application and decide how many machines to authorise. It may also attach relevant conditions or take the layout and management of the premises into account.
Importantly, a permit replaces the automatic two-machine entitlement. It does not sit on top of it.
For example, if a permit authorises four machines, the pub may provide four machines in total—not the four permitted machines plus another two under the automatic entitlement.
Venue operators should not install additional machines until the appropriate permit has been granted.
Which fruit machines are permitted in pubs?
Alcohol-licensed pubs can provide Category C and Category D machines, subject to the appropriate notification or permit.
Category C machines
Category C machines are the fruit and gaming machines most commonly associated with pubs.
They currently have:
- A maximum stake of £1 per play
- A maximum prize of £100
- An age restriction of 18 and over
Anyone under 18 must not be allowed to play a Category C machine. Staff should understand their age-verification responsibilities, and the machines should be positioned where their use can be supervised.
Category D machines
Category D covers several types of low-stake, low-prize machine. Stake and prize limits differ according to the particular type of Category D game.
Some Category D machines award money, while others offer non-cash or combined prizes. The precise rules, age considerations and suitability will therefore depend on the machine and premises.
A reputable machine operator should confirm the classification and suitability of every machine before installation.
You can read more in Diamond Leisure’s guide to gaming and amusement machine categories.
How many gaming machines can a members’ club have?
Members’ clubs and miners’ welfare institutes may be entitled to provide up to three gaming machines in total under the appropriate club gaming or club machine permit.
The permitted categories are:
- Category B3A
- Category B4
- Category C
- Category D
Only one of the three machines can be a Category B3A machine.
The remaining machines can be selected from the other permitted categories, subject to the club’s permit and the relevant restrictions.
This can give eligible members’ clubs a broader choice of gaming machines than an ordinary pub. However, the club must genuinely qualify for the relevant permit; simply calling a venue a club does not automatically establish eligibility.
What is the difference between a club gaming permit and a club machine permit?
A club gaming permit and a club machine permit can both authorise gaming machines, but they are not identical.
A club gaming permit is available to qualifying members’ clubs and miners’ welfare institutes. In addition to machines, it can permit certain forms of equal-chance gaming and specified games of chance.
A club machine permit is available to members’ clubs, miners’ welfare institutes and commercial clubs. It permits equal-chance gaming and up to three gaming machines, subject to the restrictions applying to that type of club.
Applications are normally made to the local licensing authority, which is usually the local council. Different arrangements apply in Scotland, where the relevant licensing board is involved.
How many fruit machines can a commercial club have?
A commercial club can generally provide up to three machines under a club machine permit.
The permitted categories are:
- Category B4
- Category C
- Category D
Commercial clubs are not permitted to provide Category B3A machines under this entitlement.
This is an important distinction. A commercial club and a qualifying members’ club can look similar to customers, but their legal status and machine entitlements are different.
Pub and club machine entitlements at a glance
| Venue type | Number of machines | Permitted categories | Permission required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying alcohol-licensed pub | Up to two | C or D | Notification to the local licensing authority |
| Pub wanting more than two | Number specified by the authority | C or D | Licensed premises gaming machine permit |
| Members’ club or miners’ welfare institute | Up to three | B3A, B4, C or D; only one B3A | Appropriate club gaming or club machine permit |
| Commercial club | Up to three | B4, C or D | Club machine permit |
This table provides a general summary. Eligibility and permissions should always be confirmed with the relevant licensing authority before machines are installed.
Who must submit the pub notification or permit application?
For alcohol-licensed premises, the notification or permit application should be made by the holder of the premises licence.
The machine supplier cannot make the application in place of the premises licence holder, although an experienced operator can explain which information is likely to be required.
When a pub changes hands, the new operator should check that the correct notification or permit remains in place. Do not assume that every permission automatically transfers with the business.
Where should gaming machines be positioned?
Permitted machines should be located where their use can be supervised by staff or through another suitable method.
A machine should not be placed in an isolated room or hidden area where underage play and misuse would be difficult to identify.
When choosing a location, consider:
- Visibility from the bar or staffed areas
- Age-verification procedures
- Customer walkways and fire exits
- Access for collections and maintenance
- Proximity to any cash machine on the premises
- Electrical and connectivity requirements
- Whether the position is likely to attract legitimate play
A good position should combine effective supervision with visibility and convenient customer access.
What are the venue’s responsibilities?
Even when machines are supplied and maintained by an external operator, the venue still has responsibilities.
These include:
- Holding the appropriate notification or permit
- Providing only the permitted number and categories of machine
- Preventing underage use of Category C and other age-restricted machines
- Ensuring machines can be supervised
- Training relevant staff
- Displaying any required information and age notices
- Having appropriate procedures for complaints or disputes
- Cooperating with the local licensing authority
The designated premises supervisor, premises manager or other nominated responsible person should understand the applicable code of practice.
What should you check about your machine supplier?
A gaming machine should only be supplied, installed and maintained by a business holding the appropriate Gambling Commission licence.
Before agreeing to an installation, ask the supplier:
- Can you provide your Gambling Commission licence details?
- Is this machine permitted in my type of venue?
- Which category is it?
- Does it comply with the current technical standards?
- What happens if the machine develops a fault?
- How quickly do you respond to service calls?
- Who handles collections and income reporting?
- Can an underperforming machine be rotated or replaced?
Diamond Leisure is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission and supplies fully managed commercial gaming machines to pubs, clubs and licensed venues across the North West.
Can a pub install a fruit machine bought privately?
Buying a machine does not remove the venue’s licensing and compliance responsibilities.
The machine must still be the correct category, comply with the relevant technical standards and be lawfully installed, maintained and made available for use.
A machine intended for private home use should not automatically be assumed suitable for commercial operation in a pub or club.
Using a properly licensed commercial supplier gives venue operators access to suitable equipment, professional installation, servicing and ongoing compliance support.
Choosing the right number of machines
Being legally entitled to a particular number of machines does not necessarily mean installing the maximum will be the best commercial decision.
The right number depends on:
- Customer footfall
- Available and visible floor space
- The venue’s customer profile
- Existing entertainment
- Demand at different times of the week
- The performance of current machines
- The ability of staff to supervise the area
In some pubs, one carefully selected and well-positioned digital machine may outperform several unsuitable or dated cabinets.
A professional site assessment can help determine which machines are likely to suit the venue before equipment is installed.
Fruit machine hire from Diamond Leisure
Diamond Leisure supplies and maintains modern fruit machines for pubs, clubs and commercial venues across the North West.
Our service includes equipment selection, installation, maintenance, repairs, collections and machine rotation. We can also help you understand which machine categories are normally suitable for your type of premises.
Profit-share arrangements are available with no upfront installation cost. Because we only earn when the machine earns, we have a shared interest in selecting equipment that works for your venue.
Call 0333 200 3340, email info@diamondleisure.co.uk or contact Diamond Leisure online to arrange a free, no-obligation venue assessment.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements can vary according to premises type, location, licensing status and permit conditions. Confirm your position with your local licensing authority or licensing board before installing or changing gaming machines. Gambling regulation in Northern Ireland is separate from the system described above.