The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have handed their review over to the government that was expected to contain a recommendation that all fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) should have their maximum stake dropped from £100 (every 20 seconds) to just £2.However, although the report does suggest a drop to £2 for slot machines and fruit machines, the suggestion is not as strict for roulette, poker, and other FOBT games, with £30 or less being the suggested amount.Tim Miller, Chief Executive of the UKGC, which acts as the statutory advisor to the government when it comes to the gambling industry, made sure to point out that:”If the government want to go lower than a £30 maximum stake, that will be perfectly consistent with our advice as we are recommending a maximum stake of £30 or less.”
What does this mean?
Many gambling companies, especially those who specialise in betting shops, are against the move, in fact, the price of the GVC takeover of Ladbrokes Coral will differ depending on the outcome, if the maximum is set at £2, the sale will be for £3.1bn, as opposed to £3.9bn if the result is a £50 limit.However, it is clear that Mr Miller and the UKGC are prioritising players as opposed to operators, adding more suggestions along with the £2 limit suggestion for slots, with Miller saying:”For many people it would help them to be restricted to a £2 maximum stake, but for some people there is a risk that if they can bet smaller amounts, they can spend longer playing and engage in riskier behaviours, which is why we are advising this comprehensive package of recommendations…”Our focus is on protecting vulnerable people from harm. We have no duties to consider the economic wellbeing of the industry.”