The government has decided to widen its FOBT review to include gambling and betting advertisements.

The government has not ruled out banning gambling advertisements before 9pm and is also set to lay out restrictions for social media posting by betting firms too.

Dr Dan Boucher, director of parliamentary affairs for CARE, who will give oral evidence to the All Party Group on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in Westminster next Thursday said:

“CARE is very pleased that the government has decided to broaden out the FOBT review to include gambling advertising.

In a short period of time British society has been exposed to a huge increase in gambling advertising, which has led to betting becoming normalised to young people

The idea that this has not had a big impact is just not credible – the gambling industry would not spend the money on advertising if there was not a good return on their investment.

It is deeply concerning that the increased exposure to gambling has coincided with increasing rates of problem gambling – a trebling amongst 18 to 24 year olds.

Statistics like these show that there must be an overhaul to the way gambling is currently advertised as it is effecting our rising generation

Responding to today’s revelations that the former Chancellor George Osborne blocked attempts by DCMS Minister Tracey Crouch to conduct a review of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, Boucher continued

“FOBTs are incredibly harmful. They’ve been linked to mental health problems, relationship breakdowns, debt and crime.

“In reviewing FOBTs we strongly urge the government to reduce the stakes to a maximum £2 per spin; this would make a significant difference and would go a long way in protecting the most vulnerable people in society”

“CARE is disappointed that the tax revenue that is collected from these machines has for too long been deemed more important than the harm that they cause to society and to vulnerable people.

CARE is pleased that the government is now putting children, young people and the most vulnerable first in their decision to review gambling in the UK”

Ends

Notes to the editor:

For more information please contact Rachael Adams on 020 7227 4731 / 07851 153693 or Rachael.adams@care.org.uk