Amusement industry calls for FOBTs

amusement industry trade representative BACTA has demanded that fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) be allowed into their properties such as bingo halls and amusement arcades.

In a letter to MPs and peers the organisation said it is unfair to let betting shops "reap all the benefits from the profitable machines", and that they should be allowed in "any regulated adult-only gambling establishment".

"How can the Government say, ‘No’ when they are saying to bookies that it is OK to have them?” it added.

The request could lead to 6,300 extra FOBTs.

Adrian Parkinson of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling said: "The addictive nature of FOBTs is what has made them so lucrative for betting shops. Now everyone else wants them.

"Even more worryingly, they could be in unmanned gaming at arcades on motorway service stations, so they would be easily accessible to children."

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "The rules around where FOBTs can be based are very clear, and they will not be moving into other areas."