The much-anticipated crackdown on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) in the Triennial Review of gaming machine stakes and prizes in the UK did not happen.
In the event, the UK government has decided to leave the heavily-criticised high stakes video gambling machines in bookmakers’ shops alone for the moment.
The review, published yesterday, continues to permit the £100 stake, despite considerable opposition from other elements in the gaming industry seeking parity with the bookmakers and protests from action groups, charities and religious organisations which claimed a link between problem gambling and FOBTs.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which has responsibility for administering gambling in the UK, had carried out a lengthy consultation on proposals for changes to stakes and prize limits on all types of machines currently available in the country.
A draft regulation confirming the decisions on each machine sector will be laid before Parliament shortly for implementation early in 2014.
In its response to submissions made for and against changes to FOBTs stakes and prizes, the government regretted that so much of the evidence offered had been anecdotal and unscientific. “Much of the data received from the industry refers to averages (both in terms of time and money spent) but it is activity at the extremes that is likely to indicate the extent of any problematic behaviour.”
It said that the information was “not sufficiently robust” on social impact from FOBTs. Nevertheless, the government felt that there “remains a very serious case to answer in relation to potential harm caused by B2 (FOBTs) machines and are exploring what precautionary measures might be needed and when.” It recognised that the potential for harm is high and that there is very significant public concern over the machines.
It is seeking further information on areas such as staking behaviour on the machines and is seeking assistance from the betting industry in that regard. It did note, however, that with around one-third of gross gambling yield from the machines generated from players with stakes of between £50 and £100, then a cut in stakes was likely to have a commercial impact on the bookmakers’ shops.
It concluded: “The industry must consider the future of the B2 machine in its current form as unresolved.”
The stance of the government on B2 machines disappointed trade association BACTA, which looks after the interests of the British street market, with its concentration of Category C (AWP) machines in pubs. The organisation had been calling for greater parity between the gaming machine offers on the street and expressed its concern that its members were not being offered the same level of stakes and prizes as the bookmakers.
The Association of British Bookmakers commented: “The betting industry is firmly committed to responsible gambling and finding ways to minimise gambling related harm. As we have always said, one problem gambler is one too many.
“The ABB’s new code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection introduces several new precautionary measures aimed at harm minimisation on gaming machines in particular. It will ensure individuals are provided with the necessary information and the self-help tools they need to make an informed choice about their gambling.
“Although we also believe there is no empirical evidence that gaming machines cause problem gambling the betting industry recognises that further research is needed. Betting operators will co-operate fully with the Responsible Gambling Trust project related to gaming machines to help to improve understanding of player behaviour and experiences.
“The betting industry never stops looking at ways in which we can improve to ensure that gambling in the UK remains safe for the millions of people that visit our shops each year.”
