Curbs could be on the way for fixed-odds machines
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GAMBLING machines which allow punters to wager up to £100 every 20 seconds now look almost certain to be made subject to new restrictions.
Last month there were fears a report into fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) by the Department for Culture, Media And Sport (DCMS), which is widely expected to recommend a reduction in stakes levels, was set to be shelved.
The Treasury was said to oppose change for fear of what that could mean for tax revenues.
Now, however, it is understood that chancellor Philip Hammond has dropped his objections, with Prime Minister Theresa May ruling that no change is not an option.
Rev Richard Burkitt of Merkinch-based addictions charity For the Right Reasons is firmly opposed to the machines.
Merkinch has three betting shops within yards of each other, making up to 12 machines available between them under current rules.
Last month Rev Burkitt suggested any move to block the DCMS report would be a case of "putting money before morality."
He has welcomed news that it now appears to be back on track.
"We need to reduce the amount of money that people can spend on these machines as well as the amount of goes one person can have," he said.
"At the moment it is so easy to throw away large sums in no time at all, basically unchecked.
"Gambling sometimes seems to have taken over the world – you can hardly turn on the telly now without getting hit with an advert for betting on this site or that – but betting terminals in particular are a disgrace and need to be severely curbed at the very least."
The DCMS report could be published by the end of next month and is thought likely to set out options including the status quo but also a reduction in stakes to as low as £2.
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling claimed last year that £75.8 million was gambled in machines at 17 premises across the Highlands.
As a result, it said, punters ended up a collective £2.65 million out of pocket.
In response industry trade body the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) said reducing stakes would have "severe economic consequences", both in terms of tax revenues and for jobs among those working in betting shops.
The industry has also strongly defended its record in terms of assisting gambling addicts.
ABB spokesman Donald Morrison said: "Bookmakers are committed to responsible gambling and our 5000 staff are trained to monitor player activity and help anyone who may be developing a problem."
He added: "At the same time, reducing stakes on gaming machines in betting shops will do nothing to tackle problem gambling since the issue is rarely linked to one particular product.
"It is worth noting that gamblers spend almost twice as much on lotteries as they do on gaming machines in betting shops."
In May Merkinch provided the testing ground for a responsible gambling campaign.
Merkinch Gamble Support Week was run as a partnership between ABB, bookmakers William Hill and Ladbrokes and For the Right Reasons.
It saw the distribution of help information and a presentation to local school pupils as well as offering free counselling for anyone who felt in need of assistance.
