Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Gaming Machine Regulations 2015 on the volume of bets being staked at just under £50; and what steps his Department is taking to assess the levels of staff interaction with fixed odds betting terminal players in bookmakers.

The Government published the Evaluation of Gaming Machine (Circumstances of Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 on 21 January. The Evaluation can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-gaming-machine-circumstances-of-useamendment-regulations-2015

The Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), include clear requirements regarding staff interaction whenever players show signs of problem gambling. The Government is clear that we expect the industry to help people stay in control of their gambling, and ensure they know where to get help and advice if they need it.