• New evidence in BBC NI Spotlight highlighted how 'crack cocaine of gambling' betting machines might not even be legal in NI.

​Last night, the BBC NI Spotlight show considered the impact of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in Northern Ireland.

Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) have largely been ignored by policy-makers in Northern Ireland, operating in a legal grey area. Research has shown that they are found clustered in the most economically-deprived areas, having a significantly negative impact on local communities and on vulnerable people.

FOBTs have been linked closely to crippling debt, crime, mental health issues, marriage and family breakdown and in extreme cases – suicide.

Gambling is a devolved policy area in Northern Ireland so if Westminster reduces the stake to £2 per spin - a current consultation proposal - it will not impact Northern Ireland where the maximum spin would still remain at £100.

The legal status of FOBTs in Northern Ireland remains uncertain. A strong argument can be made that FOBTs should be deemed illegal under the legislative framework we currently have. However, it is known that at least several hundred FOBTs are currently operating in Northern Ireland. An exact figure cannot be given as the Department for Communities does not record the number of gambling machines operating in Northern Ireland.

CARE in Northern Ireland Policy Officer, Mark Baillie

“We are grateful to the Spotlight programme for considering the impact of FOBTs in Northern Ireland. The programme powerfully highlighted the devastating impact FOBTs can have on individuals, families and communities living in Northern Ireland. It clearly shows that urgent action must be taken on this issue."

“Northern Ireland has the highest problem gambling rate in the UK, yet no action has been taken on FOBTs which continue to negatively impact individuals, families and communities across the country.”

“Action is badly needed in this area. Ideally, a reformed Northern Ireland Executive would consider this issue. However, in the deeply regrettable situation in which Direct Rule would be introduced, it may as a last resort be necessary for the Northern Ireland Office to take action.”

“We call on all political parties in Northern Ireland represented at Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly to commit to taking action to resolve this issue. On Spotlight last night, new evidence strengthened the case for suggesting FOBTs are illegal under the law as it currently stands. Final clarity on the legal status of FOBTs needs to be provided in the courts or by legislators as a matter of urgency. This issue can no longer be left in the ‘too difficult’ box.”

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 for NI has been a leading voice in calling for change in gambling legislation in Northern Ireland, and has spoken out about the harmful effects of FOBTs on individuals and society.

Report shows Northern Ireland has more than Four Times as Many Problem Gamblers as England -Northern Ireland has a higher proportion of ‘problem gamblers’ than any other UK region, a new report has found. The 2016 Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey identified 2.3% of people as being problem gamblers in the UK; more than four times the figure for England, which stands at 0.5%.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2014/feb/28/gambling-betting-map-england-data

England's poorest bet £13bn on gambling machines - Amount gambled on high-speed machines in deprived boroughs is double that staked in richest areas, report claims

Research shows link between problem gambling and proliferation of betting shops with FOBTs

Wheel of Misfortune: the case for lowering the stakes on FOBTs – ResPublica and Fairer Gambling report, Oct 2017