The Scottish parliament is to be given the power to control fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) if the recommendation of the Smith Commission is approved.

Scottish flag

The Scots parliament received the report yesterday by the London government’s Secretary of State for Scotland.

The move is one of a series of devolving powers from London to Edinburgh. The Scots will be able to vary the number of terminals authorised by a betting premises licence by inserting a specific exemption into the regulations.

The exception will permit the number of terminals in a new application, but will not be able to affect those already operating.

It will form part of a new Scotland Bill which will be introduced into the new UK parliament following the general election in May.