iGaming Business – Members of the Stop the FOBTs campaign against fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) have hit out at the UK Government’s decision to vote in favour of implementing the recommendations from the recent review into gaming machine stakes.
The decision by MPs will mean roulette machines in shop will retain a £100 maximum stake, rather than adopting a precautionary principle and reduce the stake to £2.
“FOBTs were illegal when the bookmakers introduced them prior to the 2005 Gambling Act,” said Derek Webb, founder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, the organisation behind the Stop the FOBTs campaign.
“As part of the scheme to get FOBTs legalised, the Association of British Bookmakers commissioned research which a DCMS staffer said was ‘predictable and worthless’.
“Part of the approval conditions of FOBTs was that the Minister had the power to reduce the maximum stake from £100 down £2 and this simply hasn’t been addressed.
“There are mixed messages coming through from MPs from all parties and this vote goes to show that the Government are not taking the evidence of damage caused by FOBTs seriously and have missed an opportunity to take action.”
Despite the decision, Webb said that the campaign would continue to work towards getting new restrictions put in place.
“This is a cross-party issue and we have always planned a long-term campaign, so will continue our efforts to see sensible restrictions on the high-speed, high stake gaming machines on Britain’s high streets,” he added.
