Gaming Machines
Provision of gaming machines is regulated under the Gambling Act 2005.
There are specific categories of gaming machines. The level of stakes and prizes define the category of a machine. Further information is available from the Related Downloads section on this page.
Permits for amusement arcades with only the lowest category of machine, coin or token Amusement With Prizes machines require family entertainment centre permits for category D machines.
There are 2 classes of family entertainment centres or FECs:
- Licensed FECs which provide category C and D machines and require a premises licence.
- Unlicensed FECs which provide category D machines only and will be regulated through FEC gaming machine permits.
For alcohol licensed premises, provided there will only be a maximum of 2 machines in total, either category C or D, the licensee can give notification of automatic entitlement to the local licensing board. If there will be more than 2 machines, the licensee must apply to the local licensing board for a licensed premises gaming machine permit. The categories of machine will be restricted to C or D.
Clubs can apply for club machine permits, which cover categories of machine from B3A to D.
The licensing authority for gambling is the local licensing board.
Our current Gambling Act 2005 Public Register is available from the 'Related Downloads' section of this page.
If you require further information about this topic please contact the Licensing Team, Legal Services, on telephone: 01856873535 extensions 2229 or 2232 or via email.
If you would like to see someone in person to discuss a licensing matter please contact the Licensing Team to make an appointment.
Data Protection Information - Gambling Licences
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018.
Application forms and guidance issued by Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board (the Board) in relation to gambling licences will be updated.
In the meantime, an information sheet accompanies documentation provided to applicants and is published in the 'Related Downloads' section of this page.
