‘We remain convinced that ridding our high streets of these addictive machines is to be welcomed.’

Calculated risk: There’s more at stake than jobs when it comes to the gambling industry, says Alison Mather

Friends may have heard the recent announcement that the bookmaker William Hill plans to close 700 (thirty per cent) of its outlets, with the loss of around 4,500 jobs. Ladbrokes, Betfred and other major bookmakers are expected to follow, with one analyst suggesting that up to 3,000 could close. William Hill blames its decision on the government’s reduction of the maximum stake for Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) from £100 to £2, calling for government support for staff facing redundancy. The Association of British Bookmakers often cited job losses as key reasons for opposing the changes.

FOBTs have been extremely lucrative since their introduction in 2001, accounting for around fifty per cent of an outlet’s profits. Regulations limiting each shop to four machines led to a proliferation of outlets, often clustered in disadvantaged areas. The loss of jobs in these areas is a matter of genuine concern, but many of the outlets facing closure were only opened to house FOBTs, which easily covered their overheads.

Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD) has campaigned over many years for FOBT reform. We remain convinced that ridding our high streets of these addictive machines is to be welcomed, despite job losses. FOBT reform represents an important step in reducing gambling-related harm, and has helped to raise public awareness about the wider issues. Further reform is urgently needed, particularly regarding: advertising; research, education and treatment; and the targeting of young people. The growth of online gambling continues, and is expected to exceed fifty per cent of business by 2020. This is particularly worrying, as night-time gambling has been linked to an increased risk of gambling-related harm, especially for those struggling with mental ill-health and/or problematic drug and alcohol use. QAAD will continue to research and respond to government consultations. Recent examples include credit card gambling and ‘society’ (charity) lottery regulation. We also offer personal support to Friends and family members affected by gambling addiction; we also facilitate events for Local or Area Meetings.

Gambling is known as a ‘hidden’ addiction for a good reason. Too often, it is only when the most serious consequences happen – bankruptcy, family breakdown, house repossession, imprisonment, suicide – that the full extent of someone’s problems comes to light. But it is not just the damage experienced by individuals and families that deserves our concern. The industry drains the economic and social life from some of our poorest communities, while the annual cost of problem gambling in Britain has been estimated at up to £1.16 billion. It is to be hoped that the new High Streets Task Force will help to regenerate areas currently dominated by multiple bookmakers and fast food outlets, and bring new life to the communities where it is most needed.

Alison is director of Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs.

Further information: www.qaad.org.

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