You may have to pay Machine Games Duty (MGD) if there are machines that give cash prizes on your premises. You pay duty on:
- slot and fruit machines, and other gaming machines
- quiz machines and other ‘skill with prize’ machines
You don’t pay it on machines where the prize is less than it costs to play.
What you need to do
If you have to pay MGD, you’ll need to:
- register for the MGD online service
- file your return
- pay what you owe
You must register at least 14 days before you make the machines available to play. You may get a penalty if you don’t.
Who should register
You’re responsible for registering if you hold one of the following licences:
- premises licence, eg for gambling duties or alcohol
- family entertainment centre gaming machine permit
- club premises certificate
- club gaming permit
- club machine permit
- prize gaming permit
- registration certificate including a club registration certificate
- bookmaking office licence
- bingo club licence
- amusement permit
- licence to sell alcohol in Northern Ireland
If a premises doesn’t have a licence, HMRC will ask someone connected to register and pay the duty, eg the manager or owner.
If you’re a pub landlord
You’re responsible for registering and paying MGD if you’re a pub landlord who is a tenant of the pub – not the premises licence holder (usually the owner of the pub).
