The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced a new rule designed to ensure non-compliant gaming machines are removed from premises quickly and effectively, tightening land-based controls ahead of 29 July 2026.
Under the change, all non-remote operators will have to immediately remove any gaming machine from their premises if the Commission notifies them that the machine’s manufacture, supply, installation, adaptation, maintenance or repair was not carried out in reliance on a gaming machine technical operating licence, or otherwise did not comply with applicable standards.
The UKGC says the measure is intended to streamline processes and prevent non-compliant machines remaining available to consumers while issues are addressed. Industry coverage notes that, under the existing approach, operators may temporarily withdraw or fix machines to satisfy a follow-up inspection; the new licence condition shifts the emphasis to removing machines from the premises altogether once notified.
The requirement stems from the Commission’s January 2025 consultation on the Gaming Machine Technical Standards (GMTS), testing strategy and related Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. The consultation closed on 3 June 2025, and the Commission reports that a majority of respondents supported introducing a removal condition, while seeking clarification on enforcement and what constitutes written notification.
The UKGC frames the announcement as part of its ongoing implementation work following the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper.
