The Scottish Mail on Sunday

High stakes machines load dice against seaside arcades

- Sarah Bridge

SEASIDE amusement arcades have joined the campaign against highstakes gambling terminals – fearing a backlash against ‘softer’ games.

Bacta, the body that represents the industry, including seaside arcades and adult gaming centres, is accusing companies using the machines of ‘bringing the industry into disrepute’.

It is urging members to write to MPs asking them to support a reduction in the £100 stake limit. ‘We are talking to politician­s from all parties and we’re keen to keep the pressure on,’ said spokesman Simon Storer.

‘The stakes on these machines need to be reduced enormously. It makes no sense that the maximum stake in casinos is £5 and for our members it’s £2, when people can bet £100 in betting shops.’

Arcades and adult gaming centres were losing money because of the proliferat­ion of betting shops and highstakes machines encouraged people to chase losses, a factor in problem gambling.

‘These machines are out of place on the high street and the fact that a lot of people are unhappy about them is having a negative effect on the softer side of the industry,’ he said.

Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs and peers called for a reduction in stakes to £2, but the Government instead passed new regulation­s meaning people who want to bet more than £50 at a time either sign up to a loyalty card or ask permission from staff.

This was described as ‘too little, too late’ in a House of Lords debate last week. Labour’s Lord Collins called it ‘a sham’.

The LibDems’ Lord Clement-Jones said: ‘Only a stake reduction to £2 will prevent harm.’

 ??  ?? AT RISK: Arcade machines have a £2 maximum stake
AT RISK: Arcade machines have a £2 maximum stake

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