SNP Aberdeen Member Calls for Reduced Maximum Stake on FOBTs

Recently, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) gave their report to the government with advice on the recommended course of action in terms of the maximum stake allowed on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

While many thought the recommended new stake would drop to single digits (having previously stood at £100) the UKGC didn’t go that far, instead suggesting a maximum of £30 for the machines.

Not Far enough

However, many politicians have stated that they don’t feel like the recommendations of the UKGC go far enough. One of these political is Kevin Stewart, a member of the Aberdeen Central Scottish National Party (SNP) who has insisted the maximum bet be dropped to £2.

Concerning figures

FOBTs, which brought in more than £9 million in Aberdeen alone last year, around 40% of which is thought to come from problem gamblers, Mr Stewart did not pull any punches, saying:

“These are incredibly concerning figures which show these machines have taken millions out of our communities.

“I previously described these machines as the ‘crack cocaine of gambling’ because of their addictive nature and the toll that they can have on individuals and their communities.

“We have seen people who have taken their own lives after losing vast sums of cash in these machines but still nothing has been done. We need to see action now.

“The inquiry that I chaired made a number of proposals that included reducing the number of machines allowed in bookmakers, limiting the stakes that can be bet, reducing the amount of time that can be spent on the machines, and taking action to ban the machines altogether.”

These comments echo those of many in the industry, while others heartily disagree, this isn’t a debate that looks likely to end any time soon.