Pub slots seek rise in jackpot limits

Filed in archive Gambling General on May 3, 2006

UK pub operators want the government to raise the limit on slot machine payouts. The last time the jackpot limit was changed was four years ago when the payout was fixed at £25 ($46). The maximum stake was also limited to 25p (46c). Slot machines are a good earner for pubs, bringing in over £200million ($368million). For the individual pub this accounts for an average of £3,800 ($6990) a year.

In 2004 the UK Gaming Board suggested a rise in minimum stake to 35p (64c) with a jackpot of £35 ($64). This has yet to be implemented. Fixed odds betting terminals in betting shops which offer a variety of games, with roulette being the the most popular, have a maximum payout of £500 ($920) and minimum stakes between 50p-£1 (92c-$1.84) and will not be affected by any change.