Praise for tough £ 2 cap on ‘ crack cocaine’ betting terminals

C a m p a i g n e r s h a v e h a i l e d the government’s decision to slash the maximum stake on so- called “crack cocaine” gambling machines from £ 100 to just £ 2, saying it will prevent lives being destroyed.

C o n t r o v e r s i a l f i x e d - o d d s betting terminals ( FOBTS) will have a new maximum stake imposed in a move that bookmakers claim will force hundreds of betting shops to close, costing thousands of jobs.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t s a i d i t had chosen to “take a stand” against a “social blight”, faced with evidence that gamblers have been able to lose thousands of pounds in a matter of minutes on the machines, sending them into a spiral of debt and gambling addiction.

Reverend Dr Richard Frazer, the convener of the Kirk’s Church and Societ y Council, said FOBTS “have the very real capacity to destroy lives”.

“This significant stake reduction is not only necessary, but will make a huge difference to the lives of many families within communities across Scotland,” Rev Dr Frazer said.

Campaigner Brian Chappell o f Ju s t i c e f o r P u n t e r s s a i d : “These machines were introduced through the back door onto UK high streets. They’ve been trouble ever since. This d e c i s i o n m e a n s t h e b e t - t i ng s hop environment will become safer.”

Tom Watson, deputy leader of the Labour Par t y, praised t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s t o u g h s t ance, s aying i t had “made the right decision today”.

SNP MSP Stuar t Mcmillan said: “FOBTS like roulette are linked to gambling addiction, debt and family breakdowns, and t hey have t aken advan - tage of vulnerable people for too long.”

Culture Secretary Matt Hancock said: “When faced with the choice of half- way measures or doing ever ything we can to protect vulnerable people, we have chosen to take a stand. These machines are a social blight and prey on some of the most vulnerable in society, and we are determined to put a stop to it and build a fairer society for all.”

The Gambling Commission has also been asked to examine potential limits on spend and time on other gambling m a c h i n e s i n c a s i n o s a n d a r c a d e s . Mini s t e r s a r e a l s o considering tougher age veri f i c a t i o n r ul e s a nd a f f o r d abilit y checks for online gambling sites, and will carry out a review of age limits for National Lottery games.

The Asso ciation of British B o okmakers predi c t s more than 4,000 betting shops could close, with the loss of 21,000 jobs. Bookmaker William Hill warned the “unprecedented” decision could see around 900 of i t s b ett i ng shops b ecome loss- making.

0 People have been able to lose thousands in minutes on machines