Extract from Scottish Parliament questions to the First Minister: Fixed-odds Betting Terminals (Problem Gambling) - Nov 15

Does the First Minister welcome the U-turn by the British Government and the reduction to £2—at long last—of the stakes at fixed-odds betting terminals, which will finally be introduced by April 2019? What steps will the Scottish Government take to tackle the issue of problem gambling, particularly in respect of young people?

I welcome the U-turn—although it is long overdue. I congratulate Stuart McMillan on all the good hard work that he has done on the issue. We have been clear for a long time that such action is needed. Earlier this month, the Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs wrote to the United Kingdom Government expressing concern about the delay in implementation of the policy. I commend Stuart McMillan and all who have campaigned on the issue for their sustained and effective campaign for the change.

The Scottish Government encourages any action that can help to reduce the harmful impact of problem gambling, which is why we are seeking to deliver faster access to psychological therapies for people with mental illnesses, including people who have problems with gambling. People who seek clinical support will also benefit from the work that is being done in the mental health strategy.

The Scottish Government will continue to take action where it can, but we look to the UK Government to take action on FOBTs. That action is long overdue, and I am glad that it is now happening.