The UK Government has confirmed that it plans to respond to the consultation on fixed-odds betting machines (FOBTs) at a time, when the matter has been widely commented. Lately, there have been controversial rumours that ministers could simply scrap the FOBTs review, and if this happens, the attempt to limit the maximum stake of fixed-odds betting machines could be simply gone.
As Casino Guardian has already reported on numerous occasions, FOBTs have caused massive concern among members of the Parliament, charity organisations and market experts who claim that the amount of cash staked on the machines as well as the latter’s addictiveness seriously add to the gambling problems experienced by local players.
For a few months, fixed-odds betting machines have been among the hottest topics as there have been some controversial rumours about the Government’s plans. The Department for Culture, Media and Sports which has initiated the review on the first place, was expected to officially present the review results in June 2017. However, the Department postponed it until the autumn, with the results being expected to be revealed in October at the earliest.
Fixed-odds betting terminals have long been criticised for their addictive nature and large betting stakes, which have provoked the local authorities to take the necessary steps for a review to be carried out. Many political parties, local authorities, non-profit and charity organisations have provided their support to the Government’s review of the matter, but the fixed-odd betting machines also had many supporters.
Almost a couple of weeks ago, fears occurred that the UK Government is to scrap its FOBTs review, with the Chancellor Philip Hammond being reported to have been trying to stop the review. At the time, he insisted that the reduction of the maximum betting stake allowed at the fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to £2 would be simply devastating for the UK Treasury.
The criticism towards fixed-odds betting machines is constantly rising, with Victoria Coren Mitchell becoming the newest opponent of the terminals, with the poker player also raising her voice against the terminals. According to Victoria Coren Mitchell, FOBTs are dangerous, and the player has questioned how ethical the Government decision’s delay was. She called fixed-odds betting terminals “sort of glorified fruit machines” offering a number of games and massive positive loss rate.
The poker player, who is a two-time European Poker Tour Main Event Winner, called for change after citing some figures according to which some players lost over $1,300 in a single session last year. More than 233,701 similar occasions have been registered in 2016, with Coren Mitchell also making a confession that she herself has lost similar amounts in a gambling session only.
According to Victoria Coren Mitchell, the maximum stake allowed at fixed-odds betting terminals is too big. She also described the machines as a larger danger for local players’ quality of life, urging the government to restrict FOBTs betting in the region.
- Author
Daniel Williams
