UK politicians join the battle against FOBTs

Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) could face a change in operations.

UK.- New politicians have joined the battle against Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) supporting measures seeking a lower maximum bet of £2. Legislators have been discussing a change to current regulations to reduce gaming addiction among British players. According to local press, Aberdeen Central SNP member Kevin Stewart has demanded a lower maximum bet.

As reported this weekend, Kevin Stewart called the Gambling Commission’s recommended £30 bet ‘farcical’ during an event in the Scottish Parliament organised in conjunction with the Westminster All-Party Parliamentary Group on FOBTs.

While some parties were asking for the maximum stake to be set at £2, the UKGC said that the number should be reduced from £100 to £30 or less. The commission also recommended that the stake on gambling machines, like fruit machines, should be limited to two pounds.

“We already know that £9million was lost in Aberdeen alone on these terminals in 2016, and there have been tragic consequences as a result of the massive financial losses,” stated Stewart. “These addictive terminals hit some of the most financially vulnerable people in our communities.”

He concluded: “These machines should really be banned, but if they must remain, then the maximum bet should be as low as possible.”