FOBTs to undergo parliamentary inquiry

The indiscriminate use of fixed odds betting terminals has prompted the government to instigate a parliamentary inquiry.

UK.- The use of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) has prompted a parliamentary inquiry named ‘Fixed Odds Betting Terminals: Assessing the Impact’, which will be available for consultation in 2017.

An all party group will be investigate from a large selection of experts on gambling addiction, regulations, business practices including users of the gambling machines. MP Carolyn Harris, chairperson for the inclusive group held the first of many meetings in May. She sent a letter to Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, outlining the long list of concerns the group has regarding the use of FOBTs in the U.K.

“Colleagues in both Houses made clear our concern about their impact on the young and vulnerable. Many have reported the tragic impact FOBTs are having on their lives,” the group wrote about the inquiry.“These machines are highly dangerous products, acting as a catalyst for problem gambling, social breakdown and serious crime in communities. It is estimated that 7,000 FOBT machines are smashed and there are 10,000 policy call outs to bookmakers as a result of FOBT-related violence every year.”