As Westminster launches a consultation on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs), the controversial and highly addictive gaming machines found in high street bookmakers across the UK, our CARE in Northern Ireland team spoke about the impact this consultation could have in Northern Ireland.

FOBTs have been linked to debt, family and marital breakdown, job loss and even suicide. There are also significant questions over whether or not they are even legal in Northern Ireland.

Tim Houston was interviewed on BBC Newsline about the machines:

"Fixed odds betting terminals have went largely undiscussed in the past number of years. We know fixed odds betting terminals are placed in the vast majority of gambling shops across Northern Ireland but they’re usually clustered in the most economically deprived areas and we believe that’s a deliberate move. So its very important we don’t underestimate the impact these FOBTs have. I think in Northern Irish society you would be hard pushed to find a practice which is as high risk, as addictive or destructive where we haven't taken action."