Video poker centers should get license before October

New rules prohibit gamers from spending
more than $26 at a single machine

Video poker amusement arcades must apply for licenses before October this year, a decision by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities stipulated. The decision is aimed at regulating the operation of video poker and slot machine venues across the country.

The ministry has called on owners of video poker arcades, even who that are already licensed, to obtain new licenses from the governor of their local governorate. Starting October any unlicensed arcade will be closed, the ministry said.

The decision set the price of a chip at LL250. The maximum number of chips that can be used at a game must not exceed LL40,000-worth (or $26). The total number of chips an arcade can offer must not exceed LL40 million-worth (or $26,000). The decision prohibits arcades from installing slot machines with coin hoppers, which allow the immediate payout of cash.

The decision stipulates that arcades should have an area no less than 150 square meters. They must be situated along main roads, and must be at least 100 meters away from schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Arcades can be located within hotels as long as it is within the provisions of the decision.
The decision limits arcade opening hours from 6pm to 12am. Persons under the age of 25 are prohibited from entering these arcades. The decision also prohibits arcades from doing any publicity, including banners, posters, and flyers.

The license is for one year, renewable upon the owner's request, but applications for renewal should be submitted two months the license expires. The license will not be renewed unless the applicant has paid outstanding dues, the decision stipulated.