Bacta’s 2020 Move to Restrict Category D Cash Fruit Machines to Adults

In November 2020, Bacta members backed a change to their voluntary code to stop under-18s playing Category D cash-payout fruit machines in member venues. The announcement set out a planned implementation date of 1 March 2021, following ratification.

The distinction between a trade association’s code and legislation matters here. The original headline described a sweeping ban on “£5 and under jackpots”, which did not explain either the type of machine or the basis of the change.

The move concerned cash-payout fruit machines. It was not an announcement that every pusher, crane or other amusement with a small prize would become adults-only.

Bacta presented the decision as a precautionary step to reduce potential harm. Its members wanted to keep a broad family amusement offer while changing access to this particular type of cash game.

Adults would still be able to play the machines under the policy described in the announcement. The story was about who could use them, rather than an instruction to remove every cabinet from seaside arcades.

This is a historical account of the 2020 announcement. Current legal requirements and an individual venue’s admission rules should be checked separately.