Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures

Tracey Crouch Excerpts

Monday 24th October 2016 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Tracey Crouch)]

I wish to inform the House that on 24 October 2016, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has published terms of reference and a call for evidence for a review of gaming machines and social responsibility requirements across the gambling industry.

The review will be considering robust evidence on the appropriate maximum stakes and prizes for gaming machines across all premises licensed under the Gambling Act 2005; the number and location of gaming machines across all licensed premises; and social responsibility measures to protect players from gambling-related harm (including whether there is evidence on the impacts of gambling advertising and whether the right rules are in place to protect children and vulnerable people).

The review will include a close look at the issue of B2 gaming machines (more commonly known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals—FOBTs) and specific concerns about the harm they cause, be that to the player or the communities in which they are located.

In launching this review I want to ensure that legislation strikes the right balance between allowing the industry to grow and contribute to the economy while ensuring consumers and communities are protected, including those who are just about managing.

The call for evidence period will close on 4 December, following which Government will consider proposals based on robust evidence provided to assist in our decisions.

Relevant documents have been published on the website at: http://www.gov.uk and copies will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS210]