MPgives £2FOBTs stakeher approval

Dr Lisa Cameron says she is delighted the scourge of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) will be curbed six months earlier next year.

A cut in the maximum stakes on controversial FOBTs will come into force in April.

The top wager on the gaming machines – described as the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling – will be reduced from £100 to just £2 in April.

The move comes after a House of Commons revolt against Treasury plans to push the plans back to October 2019.

Dr Cameron is pleased the issue is finally going to be addressed after years of campaigning.

She told the News: “Despite majority cross party support, it took the resignation of the minister for sport, for the UK Government to act.

“These machines are addictive and are found in excess, in areas of deprivation, exacerbating poverty in the most vulnerable groups, including teenagers. I pay special recommendation to my colleague Ronnie Cowan who led the charge against the betting industry to address FOBTs and never gave up.”