MP for North Cornwall, Scott Mann, has welcomed proposals from the Government to take action against Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) which can see gamblers lose thousands of pounds in a matter of minutes.
The 12-week public consultation, which has been launched by Digital, Culture Media & Sport Minister Tracey Crouch, proposes a reduction in the amount of money that a user can stake when using a FOBT. The Terminals offer a variety of games including Roulette, Black Jack and Poker.
Stakes of £100 can currently be placed on a single game, but the Government has proposed to cut this to between £2 and £50 to reduce the large losses which gamers can accumulate.
Minister Tracey Crouch said:
“It is vital that we strike the right balance between socially responsible growth and protecting the most vulnerable, including children, from gambling-related harm.
“Given the strong evidence and public concerns about the risks of high stakes gaming machines on the high street, we are convinced of the need for action. That is why today we have set out a package of proposals to ensure all consumers and wider communities are protected.
“We have seen online gambling grow rapidly and we need to protect players in this space, while also making sure those experiencing harm relating to gambling receive the help they need.”
In addition to the launch of a 12-week consultation on FOBTs, there will be a package of measures taking effect to strengthen protections around online gambling and gambling advertising to further minimise the risk to vulnerable people and children.
Scott Mann said:
“I very much welcome the Government’s action against Fixed Odds Betting Terminals which have exploded in number in recent years. Years ago someone would walk into a bookies and put a few bets on the football or the horses, but now we are seeing many people sitting in front of a FOBT and placing bets worth hundreds of pounds in just a few seconds.
“If we don’t act now then FOBTs could cause serious harm to people and their families, and that’s why I welcome the Government’s plan to take action.”
More information, including proposed package of measures, can be found here.