UK councils lose attempt to slash FOBT maximum bet limits
News on 16 Jul 2015
News on 16 Jul 2015
93 English and Welsh councils, led by Newham Council, have failed in a bid to persuade the British government to drastically reduce the maximum bet limit on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in bookie shops from GBP 100 to a mere GBP 2.
A BBC report revealed Thursday that government rejected the application on grounds that it has already instituted stronger controls, and that bookmaking companies were monitoring the machines more carefully.
Newham’s mayor, Sir Robin Wales, said the councils would challenge the government on its rejection, which he characterised as an “insult” to councils.
“We will challenge this decision, because without a reduction in stakes, FOBTs will continue to blight the nation’s high streets,” he said.
The Beeb claims that there has been a significant rise in the amount of money gambled using FOBTs in recent years.
Between October 2013 and September 2014, GBP 1.6 billion was gambled using the machines, up from GBP 1.3 billion in 2010-11, according to Gambling Commission statistics.
Earlier this year, new rules were introduced requiring anyone wanting to place a GBP 50 or more stake on the machines has to interact with staff or set up an account with a bookmaker.
