Ferrier backs resolution on high street betting machines
Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier addressed around 3,000 SNP party members at the weekend to speak about the scourge of high street betting machines.
Dubbed ‘ the crack cocaine of gambling’, the Reformer reported earlier this year that punters spent over £1.2million in slot machines on Rutherglen and Cambuslang main streets alone last year.
Speaking at the SNP party conference at Glasgow’s SECC, Ms Ferrier spoke of suicides linked to gambling addiction and referenced the figures obtained by the Reformer.
A resolution, put forward by several SNP branches, was unopposed and overwhelmingly passed by the delegates – meaning that any future party policy on fixedodds betting terminals will reflect this tougher stance.
Ms Ferrier, who is a member of the all party group on fixed odds betting terminals, said: “Ever since the passing of the Gambling Act in 2005, these machines have become widespread and commonplace across Britain.
As you’ve heard, they’ve been labelled the crack cocaine of gambling – and for good reason. Highly addictive, they stand accused of encouraging irresponsible gambling.
“Friends, the potential that these machines have to ruin lives is clear. There are nine known suicides related to the use of fixed- odds betting terminals, two of which have been within the last year.”
She added: “I find it difficult to accept that these machines are not causing families heartache, and damaging communities.”