In the United Kingdom, pokies and other gaming machines have come under fire from responsible gambling advocates over the course of the past year, many complaints have arisen about the potential harm that fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) can cause. After much pressure, UK bookies have finally agreed to test the games in order to determine exactly how addictive they are.
The Responsible Gambling Trust has recently agreed to provide one gaming machine to the University of Lincoln so that researchers will be able to assess the game and its software. Previously, bookmakers expressed resistance to this type of testing, but they have finally agreed. The researchers will also take a look at the social impacts of gaming machines.
Responsible gambling advocates and politicians have expressed concerns that more and more betting shops are being opened in poor areas of the country. The study will examine this potential ‘clustering’ to provide insight into whether or not the gaming industry is actually targeting impoverished communities. Unfortunately, the terms of the research have come under scrutiny by the Campaign for Fairer Gaming.
Firstly, the RGT’s chair also runs to the Association of British Bookmakers. While could be a positive, there is certainly the potential for his position to create a conflict of interest. Secondly, the director of commissioning at the RGT is related to a gambling researcher at Lincoln University, where the research will be taking place.
Cambridge University expressed interest in running the research, but the only game submitted for testing was supplied to Lincoln University, which may be a cause for concern. This study will be ground-breaking, and it will certainly change the way in which gaming machines are managed in the United Kingdom. We are eager to the see the results of the research.
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