‘Stop the FOBTs’ gets its time at the Parliament

The founder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling gave a speech on fixed odds betting terminals at an All Party Parliamentary Group hearing.

UK.- Derek Webb, the founder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling spoke at  the first All Party Parliamentary Group hearing on fixed odds betting terminals.

In addition, experts and gambling addict shares their view on this delicate issue. Data has shown that FOBTs are paired more commonly with problem gambling than any other gambling activity. Betting shops have far higher incidents of crime and violence, in many cases FOBT related, than any other gambling premises.

The Group members had the chance to question the speakers creating a rich exchange of information, showing at the same time their willingness to acknowledge the dangers of FOBTs. On the other hand, the Group on Betting and Gaming, chaired by Philip Davies MP, has been unwilling to listen to problem gamblers and the CMS committee. It is still unclear if these initiatives will have a positive effect in the regulation of FOBTs.

At this point, the Gambling Commission has set up a Confidential Intelligence Reporting Line and an e-mail for problem gamblers to reach out for help.