An Aberdeen MSP has welcomed a government u-turn over maximum stakes at controversial betting machines.
Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT) are found in bookmakers across the country and have proved controversial for the quick and massive losses that can be had.
Pressure has been growing for a maximum £2 a spin bet, down from £100, and now the UK government has announced this has been brought forward to April from October.
More than 70 MPs including several former cabinet ministers had tabled amendments to government business to force it to cut the largest wager on FOBTs.
It came after Philip Hammond confirmed that the cut had been pushed back to October after discussions with the betting industry – a move that prompted Sports Minister Tracey Crouch to quit in protest.
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Mrs May was asked at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday about the change by former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, who co-led the revolt.
Statistics from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling estimate that punters in Aberdeen spent more than £63.5million on the machines between 2008 and 2016.
In Aberdeenshire the figure is £24.3million, Highland £18million, Moray £7.4million and £1.1m in the Western Isles.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart campaigned for the £2 maximum bet.
Last night he said: “I have long campaigned for restrictions on these awful machines and the UK Government’s decision to finally take action is welcome.
“FOBTS are known as the ‘crack cocaine of gambling’ because of their addictive nature and the toll that they can have on individuals and their communities.
“While Mrs May’s u-turn is welcome, it is important that we remember that far more work has to be done to reduce gambling related harm.”
John White, CEO at the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, said:”It’s welcome news that implementation of the £2 stake limit has now been brought forward to next April. There was never any justification for it being delayed beyond this point.”
