Machine Categories Explained
Understanding machine categories is essential for venue operators to ensure compliance with UK gambling and licensing legislation. This page explains the main types of gaming and amusement machines supplied by Diamond Leisure, how they are classified, and what this means for your venue.
Regulated vs Non‑Regulated Machines
In the UK, leisure machines generally fall into two broad groups:
-
Regulated gaming machines – machines that fall under the Gambling Act 2005 and are subject to Gambling Commission oversight
-
Non‑regulated amusement machines – machines that do not involve gambling and are supplied purely for entertainment
Diamond Leisure supplies both types, strictly in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
Amusement With Prizes (AWP) Machines
AWP machines are regulated gaming machines permitted in certain licensed and permitted premises.
Key characteristics:
-
Operate within legally defined stake and prize limits
-
Award non‑cash prizes, tokens or tickets (depending on category)
-
Must be correctly categorised and sited
AWP machines may only be supplied to venues that meet the relevant licensing or permit requirements. We ensure all AWP machines supplied are compliant with current legislation and Gambling Commission guidance.
Fruit Machines & Gaming Machine Categories
Fruit machines fall under regulated gaming machines and are classified into specific categories under UK gambling legislation. These categories determine where machines may be sited and the maximum permitted stakes and prizes.
Below is a high-level overview of the most common commercial categories supplied to licensed venues.
Fruit Machine Categories at a Glance
| Category | Maximum Stake | Maximum Prize | Typical Venue Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| B3A | £2 per play | Up to £500 | Restricted licensed environments (not pubs) |
| B4 | £2 per play | Up to £400 | Clubs, bingo halls, certain licensed venues |
| C | £1 per play | Up to £100 | Pubs, clubs and licensed leisure venues |
| D | 10p–£1 (type dependent) | £5–£50 (type dependent) | Broad leisure and mixed-use venues |
Stake and prize limits shown reflect current UK legislation at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Category B3A Machines
Category B3A machines are typically found in licensed betting environments.
Key characteristics:
-
Higher permitted stake and prize limits than standard pub machines
-
Restricted to specific licensed premises only
-
Subject to strict regulatory controls
B3A machines are not permitted in pubs or standard leisure venues. Diamond Leisure will only supply B3A machines where the venue type and licensing explicitly allow it.
Category B4 Machines
Category B4 machines are commonly associated with certain licensed premises and club environments.
Key characteristics:
-
Lower stake and prize limits than B3A
-
Restricted to approved premises types
-
Must be operated in accordance with licence conditions
Supply of B4 machines depends on the venue’s licence and local authority permissions.
Category C Machines
Category C machines are the most commonly recognised fruit machines found in pubs and similar venues.
Key characteristics:
-
Permitted in pubs, clubs and certain licensed premises
-
Subject to legally defined stake and prize limits
-
Limited number allowed per premises unless additional permissions are held
Diamond Leisure supplies Category C machines only to venues that meet the relevant licensing requirements.
Category D Machines
Category D machines are low-stake, low-prize gaming machines and are often found alongside other amusement equipment.
Key characteristics:
-
Very low permitted stakes and prizes
-
Broader venue suitability
-
Often used in mixed leisure environments
Important Notes on Categories
-
Machine categories are defined by legislation and may change
-
Stake and prize limits are subject to periodic review
-
Final responsibility for correct siting rests with the venue operator
Diamond Leisure ensures all fruit machines supplied are correctly categorised, configured and maintained in line with current legal requirements throughout the hire period.
Pool Tables
Pool tables are non‑regulated amusement equipment and do not fall under gambling legislation when operated for standard game play.
Key points:
-
No gambling element
-
Typically operated via coin mechanism or free play
-
Suitable for a wide range of venues
We supply and maintain pool tables as long‑term leisure equipment, focusing on safety, durability and venue suitability.
Punch Machines
Punch machines are strength‑ or reaction‑based amusement machines designed purely for entertainment.
They are:
-
Non‑gambling machines
-
Non‑cash prize or score‑only machines
-
Supplied without any gambling functionality
Punch machines are classified as amusement equipment and are suitable for venues seeking interactive entertainment without gambling involvement.
Jukeboxes
Jukeboxes are non‑regulated entertainment machines and do not fall within gambling legislation.
They:
-
Provide music and entertainment only
-
May operate via coin, card or digital credit systems
-
Are suitable for most commercial venues
Diamond Leisure supplies and maintains jukeboxes as part of long‑term commercial hire agreements.
Venue Responsibility & Compliance
While Diamond Leisure remains responsible for supplying compliant equipment, venue operators must also ensure:
-
Correct premises licensing or permits are in place where required
-
Machines are sited and operated appropriately
-
Age restrictions and supervision requirements are followed
We provide guidance to help venues understand their obligations and reserve the right to remove or suspend equipment if compliance concerns arise.
Unsure What Your Venue Can Have?
Regulations can vary depending on venue type, local authority interpretation and licence status.
If you are unsure which machines are suitable for your premises, Diamond Leisure can advise on:
-
Appropriate machine categories
-
Licensing and permit considerations
-
Compliant machine selection for your venue
Please contact us using the details provided on this Website for guidance.
This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Final responsibility for compliance rests with the venue operator.