Tom Watson comments on FOBTs announcement

Tom Watson MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on the fixed-odds betting terminals announcement, said:

 

“This announcement signals the end of the reign of destruction and misery that FOBTs have brought on the lives of gambling addicts and their families and communities for too many years. 

 

“It is a victory for cross-party campaigners who have worked tirelessly for this day over many years. 

 

“This won’t be a silver bullet for the wider epidemic of problem gambling in the U.K. but it will go a long way to solving what has been a particular evil for too long.

 

“It’s not often that the Opposition congratulates a Government minister, but Tracey Crouch has made the right decision today.”

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors 

 

- The Government have decided not to introduce a compulsory gambling levy despite it being recommended by the Gambling Commission

 

- Labour is committed to introducing a compulsory gambling levy