QAAD acts on FOBTs
QAAD has supported a petition highlighting the problems of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals
Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD) has supported a petition organised by Hackney Council that highlights the problems of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). FOBTs are roulette-style slot machines placed in betting shops and have become a growing concern of QAAD.
Helena Chambers, of QAAD, writes: ‘FOBTs have a maximum stake of £100 and treatment agencies find they are one of the forms of gambling most commonly cited by those seeking help. The “yield” from them is in the region of a billion and a half pounds a year.’
Parliamentary concern is rising about their effect – particularly in poorer areas. Local councils have very limited powers to refuse new licences. ‘Hackney Council, which has sixty-five betting shops, has put together a petition to government that is supported by many councils in London and across the country,’ Helena Chambers explains. ‘It argues for betting shops to be put in a separate “use class”, which would mean that each new application could be scrutinised.’ She adds: ‘Friends who feel moved to do so will find the petition “Help Councils stop betting shops taking over our High Streets” at www.change.org.’
