In the United Kingdom, there is a breed of poker machines that allow player to wager up to £100 per spin. While these games are hugely popular among bookmakers, residents are not so keen on them. A recent poll has revealed that the majority of voters believe the games should be banned or their bets should be limited. A recent survey by YouGov has asked British residents about their feelings towards betting machines.
Nearly half of respondents believe that the games should be banned completely, with 48% stating that the games should not be permitted in betting ships. 73% of respondents were in favour of reducing the £100-ber-per limit. Most wanted to see the limit taken all the way down to £2 per spin. The Campaign for Fairer Gambling has taken these statistics and is running with them.
The group now has conclusion proof that the general public is not in favour of these games. To help reduce gambling rates, it would certainly help to reduce the limits on FOBTs so that players do not spend more than they can afford while playing gaming machines.
“For too long the Government’s excuse has been that there is not enough evidence to enforce restrictions on FOBTs, but this polling has revealed that the public would much rather err on the side of caution,” reads a statement from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling. “The Prime Minister has a clear choice: listen to voters or cave in to the bookmakers”.
The government has already announced an increase on gaming machine taxes, which is likely to result in the closure of many betting ships. Now, responsible gambling advocates feel that it is time to deal with the games themselves by either banning them or slashing their betting limits.