Tom Watson hits out at delay to curb 'crack cocaine' gambling machines
2 min read
Labour has accused the Government of a failure to act after ministers kicked a clampdown on so-called ‘crack cocaine’ gambling machines down the road.
A review proposing a maximum stake for fixed odds betting terminals of just £2 was put out to a 12-week consultation.
Shadow Culture Secretary Tom Watson said he was “very disappointed” that the Government had decided to delay tackling the “hidden epidemic of gambling addiction” in Britain.
Under current laws, players can bet up to £100 every two seconds on the machines, which have become a staple of gambling shops on high streets around the UK.
The Gambling Commission review suggests limiting the bets on the electronic games to between £2 and £50 – potentially dealing a £1.8bn blow to the gambling industry.
But Mr Watson complained: “I’m very disappointed. The Government could have acted decisively today but instead they have done another review.”
“Over the last six years there’s been an explosion in gambling addiction - we think there’s a hidden epidemic of gambling addiction in Britain,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme this morning.
“Part of that is because these fixed odds betting terminals are destroying the lives of people who can’t afford to gamble and we think this situation is urgent.”
Elsewhere the review recommends greater protections for online players, new guidelines to protect problem gamblers and children and a crackdown on social media advertising.
Culture Minister Tracy Crouch said the current laws on gambling machines offered “inappropriate” protections.
"It is vital that we strike the right balance between socially responsible growth and protecting the most vulnerable, including children, from gambling-related harm," she said.
A spokesperson for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling said: “We welcome the next stage of the government’s review of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, social responsibility and advertising.
“The options indicate that the Government will consider reducing the maximum stake on FOBTs to £2 a spin.
“We are confident that, when all the evidence has been considered, £2 will be judged to be the most appropriate level.”
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