The LGA commends the Government’s decision to substantially reduce the current £100 maximum stake for B2 gaming machines. Government should reduce stakes to £2 to bring them into line with the maximum stakes on other high street gaming machines and reduce the harm caused by the machines.
Key messages
- The LGA also supports the decision to maintain the majority of other machine stakes and prizes at their current level, as well as the decision not to amend maximum machine numbers and the machine-table ratio in casinos.
- We believe that Government should move now to introduce a mandatory levy on the gambling industry to fund research, education and treatment.
- We are disappointed that the consultation does not propose measures that are likely to reduce the volume of gambling advertising, particularly where it is seen by children, for example the advertising of sports betting during live sport. It is not clear what impact a public information campaign on responsible gambling will have when offset against the volume of gambling advertising.
Download the full submission
Consultation on proposals for changes to Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures – LGA response