Britain’s bookmakers are slated to unveil in-house reforms regarding the industry’s electronic table games in an effort to stave off government action against the controversial devices.
The games, known as fixed odds betting terminals, now account for a majority of betting shop revenues and are blamed for a proliferation of the venues in cities and towns nationwide. Opponents also contend the devices are a leading cause of problem gambling. The complaints from local governments and community groups have made their to the House of Commons, which has raised the tax on revenue generated by the machines and is considering tougher measures such as a cap on bet sizes.
The machines have come under heavy fire from the Labor Party in particular, prompting concerns in the industry that it could become a political football in the run up to the general election.
Bookmakers have responded by banding together to propose self-regulation as an alternative and will recommend reforms that will include mandatory breaks for anyone playing longer than 30 minutes or who has bet more than £250.
