The Association of Local Authorities (ALA) is strongly advocating for tighter regulations on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs), the highly addictive gambling devices commonly found in bookmakers’ shops. They are urging a significant decrease in the maximum wager, from £100 to a mere £2. Their contention is that this measure will assist in mitigating problem gambling.
Representing local councils across the political landscape, the ALA is urging the government to take swift action and reevaluate the existing limitations. They are also proposing a slightly elevated limit of £5 for FOBTs situated within casinos.
This appeal for action coincides with the “Equitable Gaming” initiative, which has been promoting the same £2 restriction in betting establishments.
Although the government opted not to reduce the maximum stake in July, new regulations implemented in the preceding April mandate that individuals wishing to wager in excess of £50 on these machines must either deposit funds with a staff member or utilize an account.
Beyond the stake reduction, the ALA seeks to empower local councils with greater authority to decline new betting shops in areas already densely populated with them. They are also requesting that gambling-related health and societal concerns be given substantial consideration when evaluating applications for new betting shops.
City council member Simon Blackburn, the head of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Safer and Stronger Communities Board, has voiced apprehension about the increasing quantity of high-risk fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) appearing in city and town centers throughout the United Kingdom. He contends that these devices, frequently located in wagering establishments, are contributing to betting dependence and creating financial strain, especially for susceptible individuals who are least able to lose substantial sums of money rapidly.
Blackburn advocates for an examination of the current regulations, proposing that local councils require increased authority to regulate the expansion of betting shops and FOBTs within their jurisdictions.
The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), representing the betting sector, refutes this by stating that betting shops are secure settings and highlight their cooperation with local councils and the LGA on various matters.
This discussion arises after the government’s resolution last July to maintain the current stakes and rewards for gaming machines. The government asserts that local authorities already possess adequate power to oversee the density of betting shops through the licensing procedure.
Nevertheless, figures from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) disclose that as of March 2015, there was an average of 34,552 B2 gaming machines operational across the UK, producing a gross gambling revenue of £1.66 billion. Moreover, a distinct UKGC analysis indicated that 0.5% of gamblers in the UK were classified as problem gamblers in 2015, a number consistent with the preceding two years. This information emphasizes the continuing discussion surrounding gambling regulation in the UK.
By March of 2015, the UK had a total of 8,819 wagering establishments, with each permitted a ceiling of four “slot machines” offering a maximum payout of £500.
The UK Parliament is scheduled to convene in Westminster later today (Tuesday) to deliberate on this matter. Presenting testimony will be Malcolm George, Chief Executive of the Association of British Bookmakers, Andrew Lyman, Director of Regulatory Matters at William Hill, and John Heaton, who holds the position of Chairman at Scotbet.