Well, there we are...

[jeffvickers]

About gaming machines

A gaming machine is defined by the Gambling Act 2005 as a machine that is designed or adapted for use by individuals to gamble (whether or not it can also be used for other purposes). Most gaming machines are of the reel-based type, also known as fruit, slot, or jackpot machines.

Several devices or systems are excluded (under section 235 of the Gambling Act 2005) from being defined as gaming machines including:

domestic or dual use computers
telephones or other machines for facilitating communication
machines designed or adapted to bet on future real events
lottery terminals
on a bingo premises, machines designed or adapted for the playing of bingo (including by way of prize gaming)
machines designed or adapted for the playing of bingo, by way of prize gaming, where a family entertainment centre gaming machine permit or a prize gaming permit is held
semi-automated casino games
fully-automated casino games.
There is no statutory minimum percentage payout for gaming machines but all machines are required to clearly display the percentage return to players, or the odds of winning prizes from use of the machine.

Gaming machines fall into categories depending on the maximum stake and prize available.

More information about gaming machines is available in Gambling Industry Statistics 2008/09.

[aaamusements.co.uk]

That's true.
It's a little known, badly publicised feature of the new gambling act, and came into force in September 2007.
Crazy eh!

[levartemit]

Before we go to crappy American style random games then?

[HorseRacingKing]

So wait, are we saying Fruit Machines are illegal?

[anfield road]

best invention ever!! better than butter

[Matt Vinyl]

What, even better than Nut Butter? (A great, if somewhat childish term I heard used recently to describe 'Gentleman's Relish'!)

[maverick69]

ah the old spiced anchovy relish favoured by army officers, my local waitrose where i shop sells it