Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of reforming (a) stake and (b) prize limits for Category D machines on the economies of coastal towns.

Government recognises the important contributions family entertainment centres make to local communities, particularly seaside towns. However, this sector has seen a number of closures in recent years. We intend to consult on changes to stakes and prizes for Category D machines to understand if this would be an appropriate way to support the sector while maintaining protections for children and young people. These machines include seaside arcade staples, such as crane grabs and coin pushers.

The government will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders throughout the consultation process, to best understand the potential impacts of adjusting stake and prize limits for Category D machines. We intend to launch a consultation this year, and we will welcome responses from coastal communities.