“A public nuisance”
City council members in the English city of York want to protect gamblers from themselves—and from fixed odds betting terminals. The York Press reports that officials have appealed to the UK government to lower maximum wagers on FOBTs from £100 to £2.
“While recognizing that York does not have a severe problem with betting shop clusters, it does have a particular problem with shops in the city center,” said Conservative Councillor Ian Gillies. “If you stood outside Marks and Spencer in Parliament Street, there are five betting shops within 300 yards of that area.”
He cited “anecdotal evidence” that FOBTs have “fueled aggression and violence in betting shops. There are suggestions there is something to do with FOBTs which makes them particularly addictive, which is worrying if true.” Gillies added that he is concerned the number of machines may be growing.
Councillors in the city want more authority to curb the proliferation of betting shops. Labor Councillor Barbara Boyce called the machines “addictive for people in poverty. They can emphasize antisocial behavior and bring such misery into people’s lives. It’s about time this was done, and a shame it has taken so long.”
Liberal Democratic Councillor Ann Reid called the machines “a licensing public nuisance.”
