Sir, Successive governments have not adequately addressed the issue of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs), the addictive high-speed roulette machines in betting shops. These gambling terminals cause financial misery for those who become hooked.
A recent survey of machine gamblers undertaken for the government to identify problem gambling found that 20 per cent of men aged 25-34 who have played FOBTs in the past 12 months had experienced problems. The research also showed that those from more disadvantaged backgrounds were more likely to have problems with machine play. We therefore welcome the new private member’s bill, tabled by Lord Clement-Jones, which seeks to reduce the maximum stake on FOBTs to £2 a spin. We urge ministers to make time for this crucial bill, and to