The Government today published its review on gambling, and announced a consultation which proposes reducing the maximum stakes for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).

CARE has consistently advocated in favour of reducing the stakes on FOBTs from £100 to £2 per spin, in line with public opinion and parliamentarians from across the political spectrum.

There is mounting concern about the prevalence of FOBTs in economically-deprived areas and the impact this has on vulnerable people.

As part of the review new guidelines will be drawn up to protect problem gamblers, children and young people, including possible restrictions for under 18s to access gambling content online.

CARE’s Chief Executive Nola Leach

“The liberalisation of gambling has done considerable damage to our society, from the proliferation of FOBTs clustered in economically-deprived areas, to the constant barrage of gambling advertisements on TV, online and on sports shirts, which has normalised gambling to a very young audience.”

“It is right that the Government is taking this issue seriously as the current laws do not sufficiently protect problem gamblers, individuals, families, children and communities”

“CARE strongly supports significantly reducing the stakes on FOBTs from £100 to £2 per spin”

“It is time that further safeguards are put in place to protect children and young people from being targeted by the gambling industry. Current protections are out-of-date with the current online landscape.”

“Disappointingly it has taken a year from the launch of the Government’s initial consultation to get to this point, with no immediate action still being taken.”

“CARE will therefore monitor progress following this new consultation announcement very closely to ensure any resulting policy recommendations are implemented swiftly.”

Ends

Notes to the editor:

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

CARE gave evidence to the APPG on Gambling on 13 October 2016 where we presented evidence arguing, amongst other things, for a reduction in the stakes from £100 to £2.

CARE has long spoken out about the harmful effects of FOBTs on individuals and society and advocated for the reduction of stakes for FOBTs, noting the link between problem gambling and proliferation of betting shops with FOBTs: Research shows link between problem gambling and proliferation of betting shops with FOBTs