Gamblers ‘to lose £3bn’ if FOBT curbs are delayed

GAMBLERS will lose more than £3billion on ‘crack cocaine’ betting machines if the Government continues to drag its heels on lowering stakes, councils have warned.

Ministers announced plans earlier this year to cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) from £100 to £2, but only from 2020.

Last night the Local Government Association, representing councils, demanded the change be introduced next year.

It quoted Gambling Commission statistics suggesting that on average £5million a day is lost on FOBTs. This means £3.6billion could be lost with a twoyear delay in cutting the stake.

Simon Blackburn, of the LGA, said: ‘The harm and anti-social behaviour these machines can cause has become an issue of growing national concern. Councils are extremely concerned about reports that the betting industry are blocking an early implementation.

‘This is unacceptable. The Government needs to resist pressure and move quickly to implement these changes to prevent further harm in our society.’