Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Grant and Lucy Powell

Thursday 31st October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

4. What assessment she has made of the effect of fixed odds betting terminals on local communities.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant)]

The Government have conducted a review of stake and prize limits for all categories of gaming machine, including fixed odds betting terminals. We took advice from the Gambling Commission and the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board as part of our review, which was published earlier this month.

[Lucy Powell]

The Minister will be aware that last week, in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson), the Prime Minister said he would look again at the damaging effects of fixed odds betting terminals. When will this review begin, and what form will it take?

[Mrs Grant]

This is, of course, a very serious issue. The future of B2 gaming machines is currently unresolved, but further work has already started.