LGA responds to cut to stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals

Responding to today’s government announcement that maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals will be cut from £100 to £2, Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:

“This announcement is fantastic news and a sensible decision to help tackle the harm these machines can cause. The LGA and others have campaigned for a number of years for a reduction in maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals which are significantly out of line with other high street gambling machines and we are delighted that the Government has responded to our calls.

“Bringing the stake down to £2 will help to reduce problem gambling and its devastating impacts on individuals and communities. It will help prevent vulnerable players from losing £100 in seconds in a single play, which many people cannot afford to lose.

“The harm and anti-social behaviour these machines can cause has become an issue of growing national concern, while research has shown that problem gambling, often linked to FOBTs, creates huge costs for the NHS, councils and the criminal justice system.

“It is right that government has listened to these concerns and we urge it to introduce the new £2 limit as soon as possible.”