FOBTs in UK provoke serious debate between their defenders and opponents?

The reduction of the maximum stake at the FOBTs in UK remains a hot topic for gambling Britain: the Association of British Bookmakers with raises serious accusations

The All-Party-Parliamentary-Group (APPG) has announced a report yesterday according to which the possibility for wagering up at a fixed-odds betting terminal-FOBT in UK should be reduced to a maximum of GBP 2. As gambling news report, according to the current regulations the maximum stake per spin is GBP 100. However, due to the various campaigns by the organization Campaign for Fairer Gambling which pointed out to evidence of addiction, suicide and violence related to FOBTs, the parliament took serious steps. However their suggesstion for cutting the maximum stake at a FOBT atonly GBP 2 provoked serious reaction by the members of the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB)

ABB accuses APPC for defending the interest of big casinos

According to Malcom George, chief executive of ABB, the report is a view of a tiny group of anti-betting shop MPs. As gambling news reported George claimed that “this group has been financed by those with interests in the casino, arcade and pub industries.” He also appealed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to conduct an urgent and deep investigation on the All-Party Parliamentary Group.”

Derek Webb, one of the leaders of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, approved the report claiming that there was enough evidence of harm, and that the Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) was authorized under the evidence to reduce the stakes to GBP 2 maximum per spin. As online gambling sites in UK report Webb claimed that after a FOBT addicts spoke out on the APPC meeting the atmosphere became electric and emotional and that he “applaud the Parliamentarians who have taken the time to listen to addicts and compile the evidence.” The epilogue of the whole gambling drama concerning the FOBTs will probably be known in the next few days.