Age-check trials for Regal machines

An evaluation of age-verification systems is currently being undertaken by Regal Gaming Technology in UK pubs.

The general manager of Regal’s parent company, Merkur Gaming UK, Sascha Blodau, said that some major pubcos (pub operators) in some parts of the UK were being tested by local authorities to check that  people under the age of 18 were not managing to play Category C (AWP) machines.

“Some local authorities are checking on venues by sending in people who appear to be under 18 to see whether staff intervene before they play a machine.”

The Regal evaluation  hit the headlines last week when newspaper the Daily Mail said that thousands of pub players would have to be checked. In fact, said Blodau, only a handful of systems were engaged in the trial and the product is at the early stages of development.

“Age verification systems are not required by law, of course,” said Blodau, “but at Regal Gaming Technologies, we are customer-focused and wish to stay ahead of the game in terms of  potential technology which enhances safer gambling – this is at the heart of everything we do across all our businesses.”