The Gambling Commission is preparing to put limits on the amount people can gamble online, according to a story in the Financial Times.

Neil MacArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission told a Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday (12 February) that a decision would be made within six months.

Carolyn Harris MP, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Gambling Related Harms welcomed the move: “A review of stake limits online has been clearly recommended by the all-party parliamentary group and is long overdue. I am very pleased that the Gambling Commission has finally seen sense on this.”

“Online slot content games should be reduced to £2 a spin in line with the rules in betting shops,” she added.

The review of online stakes is the latest move to try and address the issue of gambling related harms.

In April last year, the maximum stake on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) was slashed from £100 to just £2, something CARE specifically campaigned for.

The government has also promised a review of the Gambling Act 2005 which could pave the way for further reforms and the introduction of other measures CARE supports, such as a mandatory levy on gambling firms.

Commenting on the news, CARE’s Communications Manager, James Mildred said: “With a new maximum stake on FOBTs now in place, it makes sense to review the limits for online gambling.

“Gambling related harms are widespread and have consequences not only for individuals, but for families, friends and local communities.

“Faced as we are with a silent epidemic of problem gambling, it is right that we look for ways to increase protections for those affected.”