According to an article in the Financial Times, some members of the UK Parliament have proposed that the maximum bet on FOBTs should be reduced from £100 to just £2.
Although a compromise solution of a £30 maximum bet is expected to be reached, this change is projected to cost bookies £150m.
Why Are the Measures so Drastic?
The issue has arisen following last year's concerns over the use of fixed odds betting terminals by problematic behaviour punters.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond has raised numerous red flags over the nature of the betting terminals.
His allegations are a result of a thorough report published in 2015 by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport. The white paper led to many ethical questions being asked as FOBT machines are considered to be extremely addictive.
The potential loss of income for the bookies is nonetheless huge and major concerns are starting to take for. Although the government's decision remains unclear, the recent UKGC fines & warnings combined with media campaigning against gambling, have put immense pressure on UK licensed operators.