SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The trial self exclusion scheme for betting shops in Medway in south east England has launched today, enabling customers to ban themselves from every betting shop operator in Chatham High Street for the first time.
Under the ground breaking scheme, when a customer indicates they wish to self-exclude from a gambling shop, staff will be help them fill in a self-exclusion form and the information will then be shared with the other local betting shops. The individual will be asked to provide two photographs and personal details will be retained by staff who will watch out for them and be alerted to their request to be prevented from gambling in any shop in the pilot area.
The Voluntary Partnership Agreement will be monitored by the Medway Responsible Gambling Partnership which includes representatives from Medway Council, gambling operators, the Association of British Bookmakers, police, the Community Safety Partnership and Safer Medway Partnership.
Chatham Central Councillor & Leader of Medway Labour Group Vince Maple commented: “I welcome this pilot happening in Chatham, as any improvements to help tackle problem gambling are to be positively received. This collective self-exclusion scheme meaning that gamblers only need to complete one form is welcome. This is a positive example of a local initiative which I am proud Medway Labour have been calling for to help local residents.”
Despite this, Maple is still pushing for a £2 stake for FOBTs: “However as I have repeatedly said, there are still changes nationally I would want to see from the industry – in particular a reduction in the stakes on fixed odds betting terminals from their current £100 to £2 to bring them in line with other forms of gaming machines.
“I also believe there should be further powers given to local authorities to shape, with the community, their high streets and town centres to limit specific types of industry from taking over an area.”
