According to a study by Landman Economics, West London gamblers lost over £100m to FOBT slot machines in 2016.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) also revealed £1.82bn was spent on these machines across the UK. Brent gamblers led the ranking with £24,083,670 lost on 350 FOBTs in 97 betting shops. Kensington and Chelsea locals did a little bit better with losses of £8,441,699 last year on 123 FOBTs.
“These figures underline the damaging impact of high-stakes FOBTs, right across the UK,” Chief Executive of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) John White said.
Moreover, White believes a maximum stake reduction is “the only way to protect consumers” and urged “the next Government to pursue this as a matter of priority.”
A spokesman for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling also believes FOBTs to be source of havoc on Britain’s high streets and said: “It is time for all political parties to commit to reducing the maximum stake on these machines to £2 a spin.”
