Sir (South Holland and The
Deepings) (Con): I recall, in bygone years, the fun my
father had completing his pools coupon. That stands in stark
contrast with the sinister attempts of corporatist, globalist
gambling firms to bypass the new restrictions on Fixed Odds
Betting Terminals. Will the Minister meet me and others to
discuss how we can revitalise the football pools, perhaps by
cutting duty on this family fun?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital,
Culture, Media and Sport (Mims Davies): My mum was a big
fan of doing the pools, an opportunity many people took. We have
rightly taken decisive action. From the start of this month, the
FOBT stake has been cut. We have been absolutely clear that harm
around gambling is not confined to one product. We will always
look at where there is harm and act where we see it. We want
responsible business. I will of course meet my right hon. Friend
to discuss his concerns.
(Swansea East)
(Lab): On the very day that the stake reduction on Fixed
Odds Betting Terminals was introduced, we discovered that the
bookmakers had found a way to bypass that reduction. What
promises can the Secretary of State make that the industry will
not be allowed to do that in pursuit of further exploitation?
[910381]
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and
Sport (Jeremy Wright): I agree with the hon. Lady. The
actions of those who tried to find a way around the procedures
banning the things that we across this House have decided should
be banned were disgraceful. What happened thereafter, as she
knows, is that the regulator took immediate action and those
particular products were withdrawn. I hope that that lesson will
be learned by all those across the industry who are tempted to
try it again.
