WE PROTECT VULNERABLE

WE could not have been clearer this week. We are reducing the stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals.

I have heard first-hand from people across the country about the damage that gambling can do to people’s lives. Evidence we have collected shows these high-stakes machines on the High Street can be a risk to vulnerable people.

Twenty years ago these machines didn’t even exist. Yet after the Labour government’s liberalisation of the gambling industry, via the 2005 Gambling Act, their number has risen to over 30,000. It is important we act to help ensure players are protected.

The 12-week consultation we launched last Tuesday will let us determine by how much we reduce stakes. Currently punters can gamble £100 a time on the machines but we will reduce that by at least half and potentially down to as low as £2.

Through the consultation we will be collecting additional evidence and going through a proper rigorous process ahead of changing regulations and dropping FOBT stakes. We also want to look at additional measures too that can help protect players. So the Gambling Commission is going to look at spin speed on games such as roulette, where you can place a bet every 20 seconds, and how play can be better monitored.

Our move on FOBTs is part of measures we are delivering to make sure the industry is socially responsible. This includes strengthening licence conditions for online gambling firms and a major multi-million pound responsible gambling advertising campaign.

Millions of people enjoy gambling as a leisure activity and we do not want to stop that from happening. However I am committed to doing all I can to make sure the vulnerable and children are protected from the risks of gambling-related harm.