Review of Gaming Machines

Debate between Lord Ashton of Hyde and Lord Porter of Spalding

Tuesday 31st October 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

Because there is more to it than just the stake. As I said, there is an impact from the different levels of stake, and we have published an economic impact assessment today. The issue is the right balance between continuing a perfectly legal industry and social protection for consumers. That is why we have decided that the stake should be lowered. The 12-week consultation on this and the package of measures that goes with it will ensure that the decisions are made with due process.

[Lord Porter of Spalding (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that noble Lords are quite right to see this as being not FOBT but fobbed off? The stake is considerably too high, even if it is halved. It should not be possible for somebody to lose more than a week’s wages in a matter of moments. That money is lost to the local economy—it is being wasted—and we need to do something as quickly as possible to make sure that all the benefits of that money are spread across the whole community and not just into the bank accounts of a few businesses.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, if you do it without the proper consideration and it is judicially reviewed, the result may be that you wait longer.