Hong Kong’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has proposed a licensing system for venues with pinball and claw machines, according to reports. The proposal would limit the number of permitted arcades and subject them to supervisory checks; the Legislative Council would consider the plan.
Arcade operators could face permit limits and inspections if the proposal proceeds.
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The UKGC's machines toolkit sets out guidance and enforcement examples for local licensing authorities. The regulator says businesses buying gaming machines or arranging maintenance should check that suppliers and service providers hold the appropriate technical operating licence.
A machines toolkit has been issued by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for local licensing authorities in the UK, offering guidance and case examples on gaming machines. Anyone buying a gaming machine, or engaging a third party to maintain or repair one, should verify that the supplier or service provider holds the correct technical operating licence, the regulator advised.
Italy’s 2027-2029 budget bill proposes a new category for gaming devices without cash prizes in dedicated venues, with biennial authorisations issued by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). The Italian Esports Association said proposed fees range from €200 per device to €10,000 per online platform, while operational rules, including those for esports tournaments, would follow in later ADM measures.
Article 25 of the draft budget law, presented to the Chamber as part of the Manovra, would add a new category of devices to article 110, comma 7, of the consolidated public security law (TULPS). The draft's new letter c-quater would cover devices without cash winnings, used in dedicated rooms for games of pure skill and digital entertainment, including through access to online platforms. Multiple stations would also fall under that definition.
The Region of Murcia’s draft 2026 decree would require identity checks before anyone enters casinos, bingo halls, gaming halls and betting shops, including their bar or café areas, according to the report. Prepared by the Region’s tax agency, the proposal sets data-retention periods of six months for casinos and bingo halls and 12 months for gaming halls and betting shops, and would restrict exterior signage. The measures remain subject to the decree’s approval and final wording.
The Region of Murcia is preparing a joint reform of five regional gambling regulations that would require identity checks before entry to casinos, gaming halls, bingo halls and betting shops, according to the report. The draft 2026 decree, prepared by the Region of Murcia's tax agency, would extend the checks to bar and café areas, including for visitors who do not intend to gamble. No person would be able to enter a venue or its bar or café areas without first proving identity by DNI, passport, foreigner identity card or driving licence.
Castilla y León's regional government proposed limiting payments at gaming venues to cash in a draft tax and administrative measures bill published on 29 October 2026. The restriction would take effect on 1 January 2027 if approved; industry objections cited possible commercial impacts and a lack of prior dialogue.
The regional government of Castilla y León has proposed restricting payment methods at gaming establishments to cash, through the draft bill on tax, financial and administrative measures for 2027. The proposal would amend Law 4/1998, which regulates gaming and betting in Castilla y León, to limit payments at these venues to cash for a period, with entry into force planned for 1 January 2027. The draft was published on 29 October 2026 and requires approval before taking effect.
La Rioja’s draft 2027 fiscal and administrative law would introduce a €795.91 fee for authorising casino games in bingo halls and gaming venues, according to the report. The bill entered the regional parliament on 29 September 2026, with approval expected in December and entry into force planned for 1 January 2027; existing GGR tax rates, including 15% for dynamic bingo, would remain unchanged.