Oral Answers to Questions

Tracey Crouch Excerpts

Thursday 31st October 2013 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con)]

The Minister will be aware that the Kent Messenger recently reported that gamblers across Kent and the Medway lost £33 million on FOBTs, including £1.6 million in my constituency and £1.9 million in her own constituency. Does she agree, therefore, that we need to look properly at the devastating impact that these high-risk, high-stake machines are having on our constituents?

[Mrs Grant]

I remember reading that article in the Kent Messenger. I would emphasise to my hon. Friend that there is certainly no green light for FOBTs; we will be reviewing their existence and functioning very carefully.