New FOBT limits to be tested in Birmingham
Bookmakers in the UK have opted in to test the new FOBT limits before they come into force on the 1st of April, with Birmingham being the first area to trial the new limits.
This trial will determine the effects of the new rules throughout the gaming industry. The limits on the FOBT’s were reduced to £2 last year, the previous limit was £100.
Reprogramming
It is estimated that around 400 games are already being reprogrammed to make them compliant with the new laws.
The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) commented on the change: “This is a hugely complex process that is now at an advanced stage where the trialling of content, platform updates and the new stake will soon begin, thereby ensuring all betting shops are compliant with the new maximum stake on April 1st.”
Suppliers of the machines will of course have to test the content and platform updates to make sure that everything is running smoothly.
Staff in betting shops will also be given training and will have customer information to hand out to prepare them for the new changes.
Kenny Alexander, CEO of GVC Holdings commented that they will have to close up to 1,000 shops as a result of the new legislation.
