Reformer view

Deareditor

I refer to the comments by Clare Haughey MSP in response to figures released by the so called Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFFG).

Your readers should know that the CFFG is not an impartial charity; it is a lavishly funded private company established by a Las Vegas-based casino games inventor.

Who are they to tell betting shop punters in Lanarkshire –the vast majority of whom play for fun and play responsibly – how they should spend their money and leisure time?

Betting shops are the safest place to gamble on the high street because of the extensive responsible gambling measures they adopt, many of them unique to bookmakers, and because of the 5,000 employees in Scotland who are trained to help anyone who may be developing a problem with gambling.

Gaming machines were introduced into betting shops more than 15 years ago. Over this period, problem gambling has remained stable across the UK, and actually fell in Scotland in 2015 to 0.7 per cent.

We are encouraged by these figures but not complacent and will continue to lead industry efforts to reduce problem gambling. It is worth noting that FOBTs account for only 13 per cent of gambling spend in the UK and the number of machines is in decline.

Gamblers spend seven times more money on other gambling products, often in venues that lack our tight controls and trained staff.

The CFFG’s campaign to target betting shops will not reduce problem gambling but will cause huge economic harm and force thousands of trained staff out of work, including many in Clare Haughey’s constituency. Donald Morrison, Public affairs and media relations (Scotland) Association of British Bookmakers