Shoppers 'should use ailing Game's gift cards soon'

If the pair's parent Game Group enters administration, which isn't the case at present, gift cards and reward points could become void. The firm is having trouble obtaining stock, and is considering selling its 600 stores.

Jenny Keefe, MoneySavingExpert.com consumer products analyst, says: "When retailers go into administration they won't always accept gift cards or vouchers, and may revise the terms and conditions.

"You may have a limited window to use any cards, so hurry. Also think about using any loyalty points up."

Take action

The Office of Fair Trading says the future of gift cards and loyalty points is at the discretion of the administrator, under the Insolvency Act 1986, which governs what happens when a company goes into administration.

When clothing retailer Peacocks went into administration this year it stopped accepting gift cards.

It is also unclear whether gift cards are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, whereby if you've spent £100 or more for an item on a credit card, lenders are jointly liable with retailers if something goes wrong.

The OFT says gift cards are a "grey area", so shoppers may have no protection at all.

What Game says

Game Group today issued a statement saying it is "reviewing the position of all of its assets".

It confirmed the options in its battle for survival include the sale of its UK business.

A Game statement says: "Further to Game's announcement of 29 February and recent press speculation, the group confirms it remains in discussions with suppliers and lenders in relation to terms of trade that allow the business to operate within the facility provided by its banking syndicate, as announced on 3 February 2012, and to meet its revised strategic plan.

"While these discussions are ongoing, it has not been possible to source new products from a number of suppliers. The board of Game is working actively to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

"This includes ongoing discussions with suppliers, seeking access to the original facility or alternative sources of funding, and reviewing the position of all of its assets in the UK and international territories.

"It is uncertain whether any of the solutions currently being explored by the board will be successful or will result in any value being attributed to the shares of the company."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.