The UK government is ready to propose three options about the maximum stake on FOBTs. This issue is one of the hottest in the gambling industry.
As we have mentioned on www.bookmakers.bet, MP Tom Watson expressed his party's intention to reduce the max amount down to €2.
The strongest argument on the stake reduction, is that gambling addiction numbers are soaring in the UK. Mr Watson has expressed his concerns on the matter, by stating that it is the government’s duty to protect civilians.
The three options that are expected to be included are:
- Max stake up to €2. That is the worst scenario for the bookmakers who insist that this will cause the closure for many FOBTs shops. This proposal is supported by the Labour party.
- Max stake up to €50. Given that bookmakers have received a lot of hostility after the proven addictiveness of FOBTs, this would be the best option the bookies can get.
- Stake from €10 to €30. This an intermediate decision that would please both sides.
There are two other aspects that are being related with FOBT measures. The first one, concerns the restrictions on gambling adverts linked to live sporting events.
The second one is the GambleAware criticism to the bookmakers, insisting that they have failed to train their employees to accurately spot problem gamblers and addictive behaviors.
The review is expected to be published on Tuesday 31st of October by DCMS. It will be announced shortly after the stock market opening, given that it is projected to greatly impact share prices.