Are the stakes too high for punters?
Consultation into betting terminals
The UK Government is currently considering proposals to crack down on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) – which currently allow gamblers to place bets of up to £100 every 20 seconds.
A long-delayed review into the gambling industry said that the gaming machines should have maximum stakes of either £50, £30, £20 or £2.
The government has said it will hear views on what the maximum stake should be over a 12-week consultation period.
The News asked shoppers in East Kilbride whether it was time for tighter regulation on the amounts which can be gambled on FOBTs.
Catherine Cairns from Westwood said: “I think these machines are terrible and are so addictive, which can get people into all sorts of bother.”
Meanwhile, David Craik from Hairmyres also agreed with the idea of restrictions.
He said: “It’s a very good idea as they are extremely addictive – £100 every 20 seconds is far too much to lose.”
David’s wife Sylvia thinks there are wider implications with regards people’s finances.
“It’s positive the government are trying to do more with people getting into so much debt,” she added.
And Joe Watt from Calderwood said: “They can ruin folks lives as they may well be losing money they simply don’t have.”
They are extremely addictive. £100 every 20 seconds is too much to lose. David Craik