High Peak Liberal Democrats

Derby Lib Dems join call to cut betting shop gambling down in size

Fixed odds betting terminals, the electronic roulette machines in betting shops, have been called the crack cocaine of gambling. Since 2005 they have been allowed in betting shops and people can gamble £100 every 20 seconds.

Cllr Lucy Care

Evidence from the gambling industry suggests that over half the profits from high street betting shops can now be coming from these machines. As only four machines are allowed in each shop it means that more and more shops are opening - and these are disproportionately in more deprived areas.

Councillor Lucy Care said "Councils across the country are saying that 'enough's enough' when it comes to these machines. More and more are joining the call to cap the maximum stake at just £2."

Newham Borough Council in London is gathering support to ask to be allowed to cap the maximum stake at £2 using the Sustainable Communities Act. Over 80 Councils have already given their support. Liberal Democrat Councillors Lucy Care and Eric Ashburner have proposed a motion for Derby to join this campaign for change.

Councillor Ashburner said "Too often these machines are taking money from individuals and communities which can least afford it. Over time, the machine operator always wins - sometimes leaving families destitute. Reducing the rate people can lose money is a step in the right direction."

The campaign has already gained support from councils of all political colours and from all parts of the country. The Liberal Democrats in Derby hope that it will find support from all parties in Derby too.

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