The results of an investigation by The Telegraph contradicted the main conclusion of a Government-backed report by the Association of British Bookmakers, indicating FOBTs as the emerging cause of problem gambling.
The ABB report was compiled without taking evidence from GamCare, the leading charity for problem gamblers, which has charted problems associated with FOBTs following their introduction into the country\’s 8,200 betting shops three years ago.
“Of the people who come into our office for help, FOBTs are now the number one item on the agenda,” a GamCare source said.
There are now about 20,000 FOBTs in betting shops and each is estimated to make a profit of more than £500 a week – resulting largely responsible for the huge growth in bookmakers\’ profits.
The increase in problem gambling caused by FOBTs is a highly sensitive issue for the Government, which is currently piloting the Gambling Bill through Parliament, and for High Street bookmakers, whose profits and stock market valuations would falter if tighter restrictions were introduced.
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