MP rebels over betting shop law

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr has called for a lowering of the stake limit on fixed odds betting machines to be introduced sooner than the Westminister Government now plan.

The Tory has backed MP Iain Duncan Smith’s move to bring forward the introduction of a much lower stake limit for Fixed Odds betting terminals (FOBT), saying that he believes the wait would cost thousands of people millions of pounds.

Fixed-odds betting terminals have become a familiar fixture for punters in high street betting shops and arcades across the country.

The machines offer gamblers the opportunity to bet up to £100 at a time.

In April this year, the Government proposed a stakes limit of £2, which would drastically reduce losses on these machines.

The move was due to come into force next April but the Government has put back the start date until October next year.

The machines require quick decisions and with the lure of big winnings can take hundreds of pounds off people in a matter of minutes.

MPs have become concerned that this change is being delayed too long as a result of pressure from the gambling industry, leading to Iain Duncan Smith MP forwarding an amendment that will pressure the Government to implement the limit in early 2019 as was originally intended.

Mr Kerr said:“The cut to a £2 limit was the right thing to do as proposed by our UK Government last year and I fully supported that move.

“However, I’m disappointed to hear that the introduction could be delayed until September, 2019.

“Every day it’s delayed will cost people thousands of pounds they don’t have, which is why I’m supporting this amendment that will pressure the Government to bring forward the introduction date. I hope the Government will agree. There is no good reason to delay.”

Sports minister, Tracey Crouch last week stood down from her government position over the delay.

MPs will vote on Iain Duncan Smith’s amendment next week.