The Gambling Business Group has confirmed it submitted a response to the DCMS Consultations on Cat D gaming machines and bingo premises licensing, stating “regulation must be evidence-led, proportionate and aligned with the Government’s Growth Agenda.”

The consultation, which concerned changes to stakes and prizes as well as the creation of a new category of “slot-style” non-money prize machines, closed for entries last month with the department stating an outcome is due to be published “soon.”

“We raised concerns around the lack of clear evidence behind several proposals, uncertainty over what issues the changes are designed to address, the risk of increased cost and complexity for operators and local authorities,” stated the GBG.

“On bingo, we also highlighted its importance to local communities and the need to avoid stifling innovation. On Category D machines, we welcomed the review of stakes and prizes, while cautioning against adding further complexity through new sub-categories. Constructive engagement is key to ensuring regulation supports clarity, sustainability and growth.”

Though DCMS has given no precise date for the publication of the consultation’s findings, visitors to the consultation website are currently presented with the message “we are analysing your feedback.”

“Visit this page again soon to download the outcome to this public feedback.”