When it comes to gaming machines, such as slot machines and fruit machines, the regulations surrounding their manufacturing, maintenance, installation, and repair are stringent. It is crucial for businesses involved in any of these activities to understand the legal requirements and obtain the proper licenses. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences.
Warning: It is illegal to supply, install, adapt, maintain, or repair a gaming machine (or any part of it) without the appropriate operating license. If you are involved in these activities, ensure you have the necessary permissions from the local licensing authority.
For gambling businesses with a valid license or permit, there are certain exceptions where tasks related to gaming machines can be performed. However, these exceptions are limited, and without the correct license or permit, these actions are prohibited.
Warning: Manufacturing or supplying a gaming machine (including slot machines or fruit machines) or any part of the machine (such as software) requires an appropriate license. This prohibition includes the sale or distribution of the machines.
However, this regulation does not apply to machine parts that do not impact the game's outcome, such as light bulbs, fuses, or artwork. Additionally, licensed suppliers are allowed to part-exchange machines.
Warning: To maintain or repair a gaming machine, or any of its components (including software), the appropriate license is required. However, there are some maintenance tasks that do not require a special license, as long as they do not affect the outcome of the game. These tasks include:
Replacing the front display of the machine (e.g., glass or paper artwork, but not modifications to video displays)
Changing display notices on the machine
Cleaning the gaming machine
Clearing coin jams and emptying hoppers
Changing light bulbs and fuses
Moving the gaming machine within the licensed premises
Adjusting percentage, stake, or prize settings, provided no software modification is necessary
These activities can usually be performed without the need for additional permits or licenses.
In most cases, installing a gaming machine does not require a license, especially when the installation process does not impact the outcome of the game. For example, simply plugging in a network cable or connecting a machine to an electricity socket is not subject to licensing.
However, installation activities that affect the game’s outcome do require a license. These include:
Installing components that impact game outcomes as part of repairs or maintenance
Adding retrofit components that alter the game’s outcome
Installing external components, including server-based system connections, that affect the game
Installing software code, security patches, game upgrades, or new games
Technicians involved in installation tasks that impact the game’s outcome must have the appropriate licenses.
Adapting a gaming machine requires a license, especially for the following activities:
Making changes that alter the machine’s category, unless only a simple switch or dongle change is involved
Modifying the machine’s security devices, excluding external security devices like locks
Altering components that impact the game’s outcome as part of repairs or maintenance
Replacing components that can affect game outcomes
Changing stake, prize, or percentage settings, especially if software modifications are involved
These activities are considered significant alterations to the machine, and a license is necessary to carry them out legally.
