The £2 ($2.62) stake limit for fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBT) has officially come into effect, prompting the Gambling Commission to remind operators of their responsibilities when protecting consumers.

The Gambling Commission says it has been closely monitoring operators’ plans to manage the stake reduction and will continue watching any changes and developments to products.

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said:  "Together with government and the industry we must continue our ongoing work to make the whole industry safer.

"This includes continuing making other products safer, as customers move to gamble in other ways following the stake cut – including online, mobile and on the high street."

Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: "Reducing the potential loss per spin from £100 to £2 is a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable people.

"The Government's actions and ambitions stretch much further and we are looking at further treatment of those who have suffered from gambling-related harm, whether gambling on credit should be limited and considering what actions are necessary to tackle problem gambling online."

Looking at player protection on high-street machines, the Commission says data indicates the risk associated with B1 and B3 devices merit close scrutiny, just as B2 machines or FOBTs received last year.

The Commission is also tightening up rules for online gambling, as new identity and age check rules come into force in May.