SBC News FOBTs review set for Northern Ireland

FOBTs review set for Northern Ireland

fobt-roulette

Northern Ireland’s Department of Social Development (DSD) has been appointed to review the nation’s current gambling legislation and framework, of particular focus will be the number of fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) operating in the country.

Research by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling  has stated that Northern Ireland currently has a total of 900 FOBTs machines in approximately 350 betting shops across the country (NI population 1.85 million).

Fairer Gambling further pointed out that there are currently no consumer laws or protections for FOBTs in Northern Ireland as the 2005 Gambling Act covers the England, Scotland and Wales.

The DSD review of FOBTs will form part of Northern Ireland’s ongoing update of the nation’s gambling framework which were first announced in January 2013 with a view to update the NI gambling laws and practices set in 1985.

DSD representative have stated that only Northern Ireland’s parliament can deem whether FOBTs should operate in the country or not. Its research into the matter is aimed to develop knowledge and fair debate for all stakeholders concerned.

Fairer Gambling has urged for the Northern Irish government to look at placing restrictions on FOBT play, such as capping maximum wagers to £2  per go.

DSD stated that it would listen to the concerns of Fairer Gambling and NI consumer groups, as it was determined to limit the harmful impact of gambling on Northern Irish communities

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