FIXED-ODDS BETTING TERMINALS

That this House welcomes the creation of the Fixed Odds Betting Terminals All-Party Parliamentary Group; acknowledges that there has been a widespread proliferation in the number of fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) since the Gambling Act was passed in 2005; notes that more can and should be done by all stakeholders to prevent the social harm caused by these machines; further notes that there are nine known suicides related to FOBT use, including two tragic cases in the last 12 months; calls on the Government to further regulate FOBTs and act on a precautionary basis by substantially reducing the stake on these machines until evidence can be found that they are safe; and commits to ensuring that gambling is undertaken responsibly and with proper supervision.