Backflip over fixed odds betting cuts

The UK government has made an embarrassing U-turn over the timing of a cut to maximum stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTS) in the face of a Commons revolt.

A reduction in the top wager from £100 to just £2 to combat problem gambling will now come into force in April after more than 70 MPS set out to sabotage Treasury plans to push it back to October.

The change was announced in a written statement to MPS by Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright yesterday.