What do refill keys do?

A refill key can be used to show how much money is inside the machine or how much the last person won before you.

The key doesn't give you any more chance of winning on a machine than if you don't use it. However, it allows you to make a judgement on whether it's worth playing before you've put a lot of money in.

If the machine is short by a lot of money, it's quite likely that you're not going to make money. You can therefore walk away and play later, having lost absolutely nothing.

Why do I need a guide?

You don't have to purchase a guide but having one will tell you what the information shown on the display actually means.

It will also tell you if you need to hold any buttons down to get additional information.

We're now including additional information to help you know additional signs to look for when playing a machine.

This will help you make a judgement on whether to play a machine once you've checked the cash balance.

Are they definitely legal?

Yes, as you're not actually altering anything or unlocking the machine (the refill key is simply a way of operating a switch on the machine that toggles the onscreen information).

Common sense however tells you that you shouldn't however make it too obvious that you're using one as, legal or not, some people will not like to see you with one.

Any serious player knows when they can or can't use their key safely. If you can't use your key, try another machine or don't play!

How can I be safe placing an order?

This web site has been in operation for more than five years and we aren't going to risk our reputation for the sake of grabbing a few quid here and there from our customers.

In accordance with the Sales of Goods Act, please allow up to 28 days for delivery (although in practice, it rarely takes this long for your key to be sent out).

If you've sent an order and not heard anything, email ukfmp@bigfoot.com for assistance.

Not when you consider the value of having one!

You're gambling after all, so anything that adjusts the odds to your favour has got to be a worthy investment.

The first time you use your key, you will see why it's worth considerably more than its selling price!

Let's be honest, nobody wants everyone in the country to have a refill key! If everyone had one, nobody would play a machine again.

Hopefully while you will can see the sense in making the investment, the people around you will not and will happily continue to fill up the machines for you!

The other use for a refill key is to actually perform a genuine refill, perhaps if you empty a machine completely.

A manual refill means the coins are put into the machine but don't give credits (in other words, you're doing what the fruit machine operator does to re-float a machine).

While this means you 'lose' money by filling it up, it could just make the difference between playing it again another day.

If a machine is emptied, it can attract some rather unwanted attention which can result in you being barred from the establishment. It can even go as far forcing a manufacturer to issue a rechip to stop it happening again.

This, fortunately, isn't true.. but at the same time we are not going to try and kid you into believing a refill key will work in every single fruit machine.

We're not trying to rip anyone off, so here are the facts;

1) Some operators are now disabling the use of the key to show a balance on the latest machines, usually sited in grade A pubs and service stations. Arcade owners may also do the same, or physically disable the key slot.

2) Some machines will only show the balance once "per day" (actually once per switch on to be correct, but the same thing unless you're willing to switch the machine off, wait and then switch it back on).

This can however still prove useful. Has someone keyed the machine before? If so, and it was full, they may have played the machine and won already.

If it's not backing (when coins fall down to the cash box signifying the machine is full) then steer clear and wait until the next day to check.

You might also be able to use this info to find out if someone else is playing that machine regularly - or the whole area. 

Knowing these things also makes the key invaluable!

We've seen the keys that are auctioned. They're usually poor copies which bend easily, get stuck and, in extreme cases, snap when twisted. Try explaining that to the landlord or arcade owner when you're desperately trying to get the thing out!

While we sell copies too (if you want), we always use high quality 'blanks' and test them before sale. Most people however opt for our computer cut originals which are guaranteed to be 100% perfect!

We've also seen the "guides" you get with them: At best you'll get a dodgy photocopy of our own guide (these people can't even be bothered to write their own material so nicked ours), at worst you'll get some hyped up drivel that tries to con you into thinking that a full machine is going to "pay out £45-£90" to you in a matter of minutes.

We don't lie to you. As we always make clear in ALL of our advertising, a refill key helps you know when NOT to play, which is more important. Unless you're a complete novice, you'll already know the other signs to look for when playing a machine (and the various free guides on the web sites will help you too). 

Okay, so you would expect me to say it, but I really wouldn't recommend you give any money to people who are willing to lie and exaggerate just to get your money. Obviously you're free to make up your own mind on this!

UPDATE: In July, we are running our summer madness offer - which gives you an ORIGINAL key from just £10! Unlike the auction sites, you know you're getting quality PLUS the unique guarantee that gives you a free replacement if your key is damaged (the damaged key must be returned).

Sorry but no personal callers are allowed without first making an appointment. I do not have a shop, so therefore I don't have keys and guides ready at short notice!

If you really do need a key urgently, send me an Email to arrange a time that is convenient for both of us.

We used to accept credit card payments for refill keys, but the level of fraud was too high. This is unfortunate for those who would prefer to pay this way and I apologise.

Later in 2002, we hope to have other methods of payment available to make ordering quicker and easier - so watch this space.