Minister backs £2 limit on bet machines

THE Culture Secretary has called for the maximum stake on ‘crack cocaine’ gambling machines to be slashed to £2.

Critics of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs), who have been campaigning for a £2 limit, were disappointed by a government review published last year which only set out options ranging from £2 to £50.

But now newly-appointed Culture Secretary Matt Hancock wants to take a tougher line.

An ally said: ‘His attitude to [FOBTs] is very negative. He thinks these machines are a social blight.’

Members of the public have until tomorrow to respond to a public consultation on the issue.