The Association of Local Governments (ALG), a multi-party group representing English councils, advocates for tighter regulations on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). They propose a substantial decrease in the highest wager per play on these machines located in betting establishments, reducing it from £100 to a mere £2. This aligns with the requests of the “Movement for More Equitable Gaming.”
The ALG implores the government to reevaluate its prior choice from the previous July, where they opted not to diminish the maximum bet. Although regulations implemented in April mandate players to deposit funds with employees or utilize an account for wagers exceeding £50 on these devices, the ALG contends that further action is necessary.
Furthermore, the ALG desires the implementation of a “collective impact evaluation.” This would empower councils to reject new betting shop permits in zones already densely populated with them. They also propose that gambling licenses should factor in the well-being and societal concerns linked to compulsive gambling.
City council representative, Simon Blackburn, the head of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Safer and Stronger Communities Board, has voiced extensive worries among municipalities about the significant density of fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) and wagering establishments on main thoroughfares nationwide. He stressed the dissatisfaction experienced by local governments concerning their limited ability to regulate the quantity of these venues.
Blackburn underscored the potential monetary risks presented by FOBTs, noting that individuals can incur losses of up to £100 per play, a sum many find unaffordable. He contends that this matter necessitates immediate reevaluation.
The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), acting for the gambling sector, responded by affirming that wagering shops are among the most secure settings for gambling activities. They emphasized their close cooperation with local councils and the LGA on various matters and community projects.
In July of the prior year, the government opted to retain the current stake and payout limitations on gaming machines. They reasoned that local authorities already possess adequate authority through the licensing procedure to manage the prevalence of betting shops on high streets.
Statistics published by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) showed that as of March 2015, there was an average of 34,552 land-based B2 gaming machines in Great Britain, producing a combined £1.66 billion in gross gambling revenue.
Additional findings from the UKGC indicated that in 2015, roughly 0.5% of gamblers in Great Britain were categorized as problem gamblers, a figure that remained relatively stable compared to the two previous years.
In March of 2015, the UK had 8,819 wagering establishments, with each permitted a ceiling of four “slot machines” offering a maximum payout of £500.
This matter will be discussed by Parliament at Westminster on Tuesday evening, with presentations from Malcolm George, Chief Executive of the Association of British Bookmakers, Andrew Lyman, Director of Regulatory Matters at William Hill, and John Heaton, presiding officer of Scotbet.