FIXED-ODDS MAX BET MAY DROP TO JUST £2
Government review backs cut from £100 on machines known as the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling
NEW & EXCLUSIVE THE maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals is to be cut from £100 to between £50 and £2.
The high-stake, highspeed electronic casino games – known as “the crack cocaine of gambling” – are said to be dangerously addictive and allow a stake of up to £100 every 20 seconds.
This lets a player gamble away up to £18,000 an hour.
Bookmakers fear the plan, part of a package of measures announced in the Government’s gambling review, will not work and will have a negative impact on the High Street, causing job losses and “ruining the lives of the thousands of employees”.
But others believe it does not go far enough, describing it as “deeply disappointing” and raising concerns that the process is taking too long.
Culture Minister Tracey Crouch said: “It is vital we strike the balance between socially responsible growth and protecting the most vulnerable, including children, from gamblingrelated harm.”
Raising standards of player protection for online gambling, a responsible gambling campaign and new advertising guidelines are among suggestions from the Government.
A 12-week consultation is being launched on the plans, which are aimed at reducing the potential for large losses.
Malcolm George, chief executive of the Association of British Bookmakers, said the Government have“some intelligent ideas”.
But he added: “The evidence around cutting stake doesn’t necessarily suggest you’re going to help problem gamblers.
“The risk for the industry is you move a problem gambler from one environment into another.”
Labour deputy leader Tom Watson described the Government’s plans as “deeply disappointing”.
He added: “Ministers have squandered a real opportunity to curb highly addictive fixed-odds betting terminals. After months of delays, they’ve simply decided to have another consultation.”
The SNP branded the review a “missed opportunity” and have called for full devolution of gambling powers to the Scottish Parliament.