Cameron to order review of FOBTs

UK newspaper The Guardian yesterday broke the news that Prime Minister David Cameron has ordered a review of the UK Gambling Code of Conduct. Reports suggest that the Prime Minister is keen to issue wagering restrictions and add further amendments to the Code.

In a supposed leaked letter to the newspaper, the PM asks that the voluntary code introduced in February by bookmakers be toughen up in order to restrict or prevent problem gamblers using the machines. The newspaper states further that the PM is also looking to consider imposing fines on bookmakers whose staff fail to comply with the code, Furthermore it is thought that the PM would look to lower the betting stake limit to £250.

The news initially published by UK newspaper – The Guardian, states that Cameron will be looking to make a full announcement regarding the controversial machines “within weeks”. The newspaper stated that a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport said: “We believe that the voluntarily code is a good start but player protection measures need to go further and be mandatory.”

A government review to restrict high street bookmakers has been gathering support from UK politicians and government officials. This week,  Hackney mayor Jules Pipe (Lab), who is leading a London campaign against the spread of betting shops, said: “For too many years councils have been left powerless to stop betting shops blighting their high streets, much to the frustration of our residents. While we await developments we will carry on campaigning for a change on betting shop regulation.”