The fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) have spread everywhere in the UK, engaging more and more players. According to figures revealed in a recent ECHO investigation, which was carried out earlier in 2017, Merseyside’s bookmakers currently own over 1,000 fixed-odds betting machines.
These figures look frightening, especially considering the uncertainty related to the UK Government’s review of the controversial FOBTs. Previously, the country’s Government has promised a crackdown on the machines, but things have been looking a bit shaky lately, with the pressure on local authorities constantly mounting.
According to campaign group Stop the FOBTs, currently there are 1,005 fixed-odds betting terminals in Merseyside, with local players losing amounts of approximately £1.2 billion on an annual basis. The opponents of the machines in the region have shared their concern with the fact that the FOBTs could push gamblers to losing massive stakes very quickly, worrying that the terminals can devour the daily income of an entire family in less than 15 minutes.
The main reason for this are considered both the pretty large maximum stakes offered by the machines, as well as the fact that players are given the chance to put a maximum bet every 20 seconds. According to local authorities and charity organisations engaged in players’ problem gambling behaviour, the problem has grown to a serious one over the last few years, with more an more players across the country being affected by the negative effects of the FOBTs.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) initiated a nationwide review of the fixed-odds betting terminals in October 2016. The results from the review were first expected to be officially revealed in June 2017, but then they got postponed for the autumn due to certain disagreements between the UK Government and the Treasury.
Various authorities, non-profit and charity organisations and political parties called for the Government to reduce the maximum stakes allowed at FOBTs, from £100 to £2. Up to date, players are allowed to place a maximum bet of £100 every 20 seconds. Reportedly, there are more than 34,000 FOBTs in the UK. They account for annual tax amounts of about £400 million, which is a serious amount for the Government to lose in case that the maximum FOBTs stake is cut.
Now, with the results of the review being delayed until October at the earliest, FOBTs’ opponents are concerned that the Government could be having second thoughts. As previously reported by Casino Guardian, the review has been postponed because of the Chancellor Philip Hammond who has insisted that no measures are needed for the time being. The Chancellor also urged the Government to re-consider any crackdown on FOBTs, saying that any reduction in the machines’ maximum stakes could result in serious financial blow for the Treasury.
UK bookmakers also insisted that the fixed-odds betting machines are not as addictive as they are claimed to be, and that they are simply very popular among local players. Most of them fear that a governmental decision against FOBTs would seriously hurt their profits, so that they are lobbying for the crackdown to be stopped.
- Author
Daniel Williams
