Fixed Odds Betting Terminals Blamed for UK “Gambling Epidemic”

Pressure is rising in the UK for action against Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs), which are being blamed for a reported “epidemic in gambling”.

In betting shops across the country there are now some 34,000 such machines, which allow bets of up to £100 (US$142) on games such as roulette, blackjack and poker. Britain’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport brought in restrictions last year requiring anyone wanting to stake £50 or more on an FOBT to set up an account with the bookmaker. But the new rule was followed by a 332% surge in people betting between £40 and £50 a go, and a mere 0.7% decrease in spending on them overall. A recent Department investigation found Britons are wagering nearly £40 billion on the terminals each year, up 20% from five years ago. This compares with £5.5 billion bet annually in UK casinos and some £12 billion on horse racing. The report said the terminals were “a combination of high stakes and natural game volatility that can generate significant losses in a short space of time.” It added, “there is some evidence to suggest higher stake sizes can increase the risk of gambling related harm through spending more money or time than intended.”

Tim Farron, who is the leader of Britain’s third party the Liberal Democrats, joined the Scottish parliament and more than 100 local councils in England and Wales in calling for action, calling FOBTs “out of control.” He said, “These highly damaging and addictive gaming machines have wreaked so much damage to people’s lives.”

One of several national newspapers attacking FOBTs, the London Times said they were “drug delivery machines and should be regulated as such,” adding, “The rise of fixed-odds betting terminals is a scourge of impoverished neighborhoods and vulnerable families.” It said a £400 million annual tax take from the machines was behind the UK’s Cabinet Office blocking a review of them last November.

In a separate development, UK newspapers also revealed that the National Problem Gambling Clinic in London was piloting treatment using naltrexone. The medication, which is usually given to those with severe drug and alcohol problems, helps stop craving and costs £272 (US$385) per patient per year.

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