(Secretary of State for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport): The Government
is today announcing that the implementation of changes to reduce
the stakes of B2 Gaming Machines from £100 to £2 will take place
in April 2019. This will be done through a Statutory Instrument,
laid before the House this week.
Following the consultation on Gaming Machines and Social
Responsibility measures, the Government decided to cut the
maximum stake for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals to £2 to help stop
extreme losses by those who can least afford it and protect the
most vulnerable in our society.
After a thorough consultation with interested parties, including
charities, campaigners and the gambling industry, across
government we reached a decision to make this significant change
in October 2019.
The Government has been clear that protecting vulnerable people
is the prime concern, but that as a responsible government it is
also right to take the needs of those employed by the gambling
industry into account and provide time for an orderly transition.
Parliament has, however, been clear that they want this change to
be made sooner. The Government has listened and will now
implement the reduction in April 2019.
In order to cover the negative impact on the public finances, and
to protect vital public services, this change is being linked to
an increase in Remote Gaming Duty, paid by online gaming
operators. The Finance Bill will also be amended so that the
increase to Remote Gaming Duty comes into effect in April 2019.
The Government will expect the gambling industry to work with it
to reduce the effect of any impact on jobs and to support
employees that may be affected by this expedited timeline. The
cross-government group that has been set up is ready to assist.
Finally, the Government will continue to take action to protect
vulnerable people, including strengthening protections around
gaming machines, online gambling, gambling advertising and
treatment for problem gambling.
