UKGC makes recommendations to FOBT

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published today 19/3 a list of recommendations to support the government with its review of fixed-odd betting terminals (FOBTs).

According to the national regulatory body that the recommendations have the aim to reduce the risks “consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling”.

The UKGC it self as well as the operators said its advice also make its clear that action from the government is required.

While non-slot games such as roulette should have a maximum stake of £30 one of the key points from the recommendations include FOBT slot stakes to be limited to £2 (€2.27).

Furthermore the UKGC said these limits should have a “significant effect on the potential for players to lose large amounts of money in a short space of time”.

Neil McArthur, chief executive of the UKGC, said: “We’ve put consumers at the heart of our advice – advice which is based on the best available evidence and is focussed on reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.

“In our judgement, a stake cut for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals alone doesn’t go far enough to protect vulnerable people; that is why we have recommended a stake cut plus a comprehensive package of other measures to protect consumers.

“We have proposed actions that will tackle both the risk of harm and provide solutions that are sustainable in the longer term.”