Fruit Machine Chat

Just wondered if anyone can clarify what the deal is with % stickers on machines. Was playing in an arcade and I asked the cashier what the % was and she didn’t know. I demanded to know but she said she didn’t know and didn’t have to display. I argued that she could set it at 30% giving me an unfair advantage. She then said its against the law, to which I replied well that much make it against the law to not display the correct %. I pointed out the sign on it that said this machine is set to pay out at a % of … and then it was bank. She said oh it will be set at 80% or something. That just made me laugh. Conveniently the £1 Reel Kings etc were all displaying their correct %’s

Very iffy and If they are breaking any regs then I’m considering reporting them. Its only a small arcade and has been there for ages and they are right snotty in there.

machine must display correct % and have a "no under 18" warning on it

Thanks for that. There where 18 signs but no %, is this part of a gambling act/ law? If so then I may have a word with someone.

quick silver dont display % anywhere.......

Dunhamzzz wrote:quick silver dont display % anywhere.......

Strange. I guess it wasn't the % issue that ruffled my feathers but more the attidude of the cashier. I got deal or no deal and stood blocking the screen so she couldn't see. I then saw her trying to get a look in. Felt like telling her to get back to polishing the machines.

BUT whats stopping them from setting really low %s like 50% etc. Who's ever going to know.

ok done some checking results as follows:-

Although it can vary according to the type of establishment, as a general rule British gambling laws limit the cost of a single game to 50p, the maximum payout to £35 and the minimum payout percentage to be 70%.


so % does not have to be shown but if it is the machine must be set at that % or higher

i could show you some real low %s

They can lower there percentages just like pubs can water down the spirits and reduce measure sizes, maybe places do it, but they won't survive a spot check, which do happen.

Can you ring someone to enforce a spot check?

Machines are probably programmed not to work below 70%/

It wouldn't take the worlds best programmer to make a Bar-X pay 50%. Where's that Welsh chap when you need him ? Chuzzy !!!!!!!

If there's a law there's always someone to phone to report it being flouted.

what about when £5pound GBCs got chippd they were taking £30 for a board and not movin above £1 or offering any £2 features. got to be illagal?

thecannonball89 wrote:what about when £5pound GBCs got chippd they were taking £30 for a board and not movin above £1 or offering any £2 features. got to be illagal?

if they were bein dun then they would b so
far behind and would need 2 catch up with
its % hence not illegal

Machines are probably programmed not to work below 70%/

That's what I thought, although with all the, ahem, 'bugs' that are 'built in' to machines, it wouldn't surprise me if the percentage / compensation code is not always up to scratch.