Holyrood committee calls for ban on fixed odds betting machines

This is the stark conclusion of a report published today by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee following an inquiry into fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

The committee’s inquiry considered the Scotland Bill proposal to devolve powers to limit the number of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) allowed in new licensed betting premises.

The committee concluded that, given the high number of existing FOBTs in bookmakers, the Scotland Bill would not give the Scottish Parliament effective powers to tackle this issue.

Committee Convener, Kevin Stewart MSP, said: “Our committee has been shocked by some of the evidence it has received about FOBT machines.

“We have heard how quickly and easily players can become addicted and lose hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.

“The casino industry told us these machines are a form of hard gambling and unsuitable for the unsupervised environment of a bookmaker’s shop.

“The Scotland Bill proposals stem from a concern about the harmful effects of FOBTs but the Bill would not give the Scottish Parliament any real and effective powers to tackle these. The bill simply does not go far enough.

“We believe that the maximum stake of £100 per game and ability to play 3 games per minute mean FOBTs are a form of hard gambling and must, therefore, be banned from the high street.”

The committee also concluded that the Scotland Bill proposals would lead to an “un-even playing field” and regulatory confusion between bookmakers licensed under the existing arrangements and those licensed after the Scotland Bill had come into effect.

In addition, the committee argued the UK and Scottish governments must commission independent research into the effects of playing FOBTs and develop a policy to ensure play remains enjoyable and safe.

Failing the devolution of effective powers, the committee recommended that local authorities’ powers to inspect and review betting premises licences be strengthened.

The committee also recommended that planning rules be changed to give local authorities more control over the number of bookmakers in local areas.