Limit ‘crack cocaine’ gambling machine bets to £2, say councils
Author: Jamie Merrill, Independent |
Betting shops could be forced to radically cut the amount of money that can be gambled on controversial Fixed Odds Betting Machines (FOBTs), according to proposal set to be put forward by local councils this week.
The Independent can reveal that Newham council in east London is set to lead 80 councils in a campaign which aims to force Government to step in to reduce the stakes at which gamblers can play the machines, which have been labelled the “crack cocaine of gambling”.
The addictive machines are highly controversial and have been condemned by campaigners because punters can stake up to £100 every 20 seconds. However the powerful coalition of councils is seeking to have the maximum stake reduced to just £2 per spin in line with other types of gambling machines.
The proposal to restrict FOBTs is based on the provisions of the Sustainable Communities Act, which allows communities and councils to suggest solutions to local problems. Its submission is expected to highlight the links between FOBTs and gambling addiction, violence, abuse to staff, and money laundering on Britain’s high streets.