Speaking in the debate, Fiona said:
"I am pleased to hear the Minister speak about protecting the vulnerable from harm. The Centre for Social Justice report, “Lowering the Stake on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals” says that “the high stakes of FOBTs have compounded the social issues perpetuated by gambling.” As the Minister says, the harm of FOBTs goes ways beyond addicted gamblers to affect many families and children disastrously. I implore the Minister to consider that a reduction of £50 will not resolve the issue for those people."
Tracey Crouch, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, said:
"It is clear that we have listened to all the public concerns about the risks of high-stake gambling, which is why we have published this overall package of measures. I encourage my hon. Friend and others to make their views clear on the individual stake options as part of the consultation."
After the debate Fiona said:
"I encourage anyone concerned about the damaging impact of FOBT terminals on individuals and families to contribute to the consultation saying a reduction to the lowest proposed sum of £2 should be made - if these machines can't be put out of business altogether which would have by far been the best thing."
You can take part in the consultation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposals-f…
In 2006 "there were 250,000 problem gamblers in the UK, whereas estimates now (August 2017) exceed 593,000. The number of FOBTs - category B2 gaming machines - is at an all time high of 34,809, with an estimated £1.7 billion being lost on the machines annually. This is the equivalent of £48,724 being lost per machine each year, with FOBTs now accounting for 50% of bookmakers' profits." A minimum stake of £100 can be wagered every 20 seconds (£300 per minute).
You can find the report Fiona referred to in her speech here: https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/core/wp-content/uploads/2017/…