New Limits Suggested for UK FOBTs in Review
For certain, fixed-odds betting machines (FOBTs) have been a significant problem for UK bookmakers in recent times. These devices are exceptionally profitable, but their widespread use has resulted in concerns that they are addictive and predatory as well. Consequently, multiple appeals for restrictions on these machines have surfaced, and it seems that the government is planning to address these demands.
A recent review conducted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) into the regulations governing FOBTs identified several methods to enhance their regulation. Conducted by Minister for Sport, Tourism, and Equalities Helen Grant, the evaluation pinpointed four areas where enhancements could be implemented: handling the number of UK betting shops, player protections, education, and gambling advertising.
"In response to a thorough policy review, I will follow a cautious approach with focused and proportionate action to safeguard players more effectively when using high-stakes gaming machines on the main street," stated Grant.
High-Stakes Gambling Requirements
The most noteworthy change pertains to those who wish to wager substantial sums during a gaming session. The review suggests new guidelines requiring individuals who want to bet more than £50 ($84) to sign up for an online account or notify the store staff they want to play at those stakes and pay over the counter.
The rationale for this is to give players more insight into their gambling habits and enable them more time to mull over their gambling choices.
"This will enable account holders to record and monitor their gameplay through statements and enable targeted interventions in line with operators' license conditions," the report specified.
Many of the other recommendations are similar to the voluntary measures recently adopted by the Association of British Bookmakers, although the government intends to enforce stronger variants.
All FOBTs will now exhibit warning messages at regular intervals, in addition to obligatory pauses in play. Players will also have the option to establish spending and loss limits if they opt to do so. There are also plans for the industry and the UK Gambling Commission to collaborate on a system by which customers can exclude themselves from betting shops regionally, rather than just at one shop or brand.
Greater Local Control Over Betting Shops
Another major topic addressed in the review was the location of betting shops across the UK. Numerous arguments have been advanced that these businesses were disproportionately situated in poorer districts, consequently making gambling easily available to those who could least afford it.
Now, local authorities will be vested with new authority to regulate where betting shops may be established. All premises will need to secure planning permission to transform their businesses into betting shops, hindering existing establishments from converting into gambling establishments without the approval of local officials. The specifics of these alterations will be determined during the summer by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
"The Coalition Government is determined to foster a stronger economy and a fairer society with energetic and varied high streets that are not dominated by betting shops," declared Communities Minister Stephen Williams. "That's why we are now entrusting councils with robust powers to thwart the growth of betting shops in their region."
Despite the numerous proposals, however, some individuals felt that the review failed to address the matter adequately - particularly as Ladbrokes and William Hill shares both experienced a rise post-announcement (possibly due to relief that more stringent measures were not implemented).
"The government is offering no safeguards for at-risk problem gamblers," lamented former Labour party chairperson Tom Watson. "Therefore, FOBTs will be a general election issue."
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