Tracey Crouch steps down from Sports Minister role amidst FOBT controversy
Tracey Crouch, a British politician from the Conservative Party, has unexpectedly stepped down as Sports Minister. The reason behind her departure is the delay in implementing a reduced stake limit for Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) from April 2019 to October 2019.
In a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, Tracey Crouch highlights her disagreement with the government's decision, stating that it goes against her personal beliefs and the well-being of her portfolio. She believes that the prolonged usage of FOBTs will cause more harm, both financially and personally, for at least six more months. Crouch asserts that the cabinet must bear its "collective responsibility" and stick to the agreed policy.
The government initially announced a £2 limit for FOBTs in May 2019 but then faced a series of discussions about the implementation timeline. The postponement was then confirmed last week by Chancellor Philip Hammond as part of his budget statement. To accompany the limit, a 20% tax on online gambling will be introduced.
Together with Chancellor Hammond and DCMS Minister Matt Hancock, Tracey Crouch played a significant role in advocating for the £2 limit on FOBTs since her appointment in 2015.
FOBTs are digital betting terminals that offer casino-style games like roulette. Introduced in 2001, these machines have a maximum bet of up to £100 per spin and have become a significant part of the British gambling industry. With over 33,000 registered FOBTs across the UK, each of which generates an average of £55,000 annually, implementing a £2 reduction would result in a loss of up to £400 million in the government's budget.
Social Reactions
After Tracey Crouch's resignation announcement, many showed their support. Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson praised her political efforts and her principled decision. He also expressed the APPG's dissatisfaction with the "groundless delay," implying that the British government prioritizes corporate interests and greed above public health.
An upcoming closed session of the APPG will focus on discussing the next steps in the regulatory campaign.
Theresa May, the Prime Minister, has responded to Crouch's resignation by arguing that there was no delay regarding this "vital measure." She commented that the change should have been made within a year, and the government aimed to implement it "correctly" and "effectively."
The Prime Minister's focus on securing a Brexit deal for March 2019 and potentially needing to reduce overall costs could be the reason behind targeting the FOBT industry. However, the long-standing debate about the impact of FOBTs on society raises questions about the government's decision.
The future of the APPG's stance on this issue remains uncertain, but Tracey Crouch's departure from the political landscape is a noteworthy development.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
