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UK government review looks at gaming machine numbers, stakes and prizes


The number of gaming machines that can be installed in British betting shops, as well as the maximum stakes and prizes that can be placed and won by machine users, could be altered, according to the UK government.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has opened a review on gaming machines and social responsibility measures and suggested that it might update provisions in the Gambling Act on gaming machines depending on its findings.

As part of its review, DCMS has opened a call for evidence (30-page / 244KB PDF), in which, among other things, it has asked stakeholders whether changes to rules on "maximum stakes and/or prizes across the different categories of gaming machines" should be made.

DCMS said it wants to ensure that levels set strike "the right balance between enabling socially responsible growth across the industry and the protection of consumers and communities".

To aid its assessment on maximum gaming machine stakes and prizes, DCMS has invited gambling operators to share evidence on the extent to which measures they have introduced on gaming machines has "mitigated harm or improved player protections and mitigated harm to consumers and communities".

The review is also looking at gaming machine allocations, which concerns rules that dictate "where and in what number certain categories of gaming machines can be operated". DCMS has invited views on what, if any, changes are required to be made to existing rules.

"Government is aware of concerns, particularly at the local level, about the proliferation of gaming machines, as well as industry calls for further freedoms on the machines they can offer," DCMS said. "So in addition to stakes and prizes, government will also consider evidence-based proposals on the appropriate gaming machines allocations across all gambling premises. In looking at this issue, we are seeking views as to whether current allocations strike the right balance between socially responsible growth and the protection of consumers and the communities in which the machines are located."

DCMS has also asked stakeholders to provide evidence on whether new social responsibility measures are needed within the gambling industry, and to set out any evidence on "whether existing rules on gambling advertising are appropriate to protect children and vulnerable people from the possible harmful impact of gambling advertising".

Minister for gambling Tracey Crouch said: "In launching this review I am seeking to ensure that we have the right balance between a sector that can grow and contribute to the economy, and one that is socially responsible and doing all it can to protect consumers and communities, including those who are just about managing. This will include a close look at the issue of sub-category B2 gaming machines (more commonly known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals – FOBTs) and specific concerns about the harm they cause, be that to the players themselves or the local communities in which they are located."

"I am interested in reviewing evidence across all types of gaming machines, looking at whether the stake and prize limits set out in legislation and the rules on where these machines can be played are right. I am also keen to receive evidence on the effectiveness of social responsibility measures across industry, including requirements around gambling advertising," Crouch said.

Responses to the call for evidence can be submitted up until 4 December.

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