Fears of crackdown on FOBTs
Britain’s biggest bookmakers just launched a major advertising campaign to educate the public about the risks of problem gambling. The altruistic crusade, underwritten by Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power and Coral, is also an attempt by the companies to keep the government from cracking down on bookies.
According to the Sunday Financial Mail, the radio and television ads officially began January 20. They were developed by the Senet Group, a self-policing body set up by the companies for just this purpose. Members of the group have also pledged to add responsible gambling notices to their own advertising.
The industry is concerned about increased controls on betting shops, including possible limited stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals, which rake in £1.6 billion ($US2.42 billion) in profits a year. Ron Finlay, Senet’s interim CEO, told the Mail, “Gambling companies provide fun and entertainment, but if you’re spending more than you can afford, it can lead to stress, anger, guilt and other problems.”
