In a letter to the Prime Minister, Bacta president Gabi Stergides expresses the need for swift implementation of the decision to cut FOBT stakes to £2, while also
offering the trade association’s assistance to Theresa May’s advisors

Dear Rt Hon Theresa May,

As President of bacta, the trade association representing the UK Amusement Industry, I am writing to welcome the Government’s decision in reducing the stake on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) from £100 to £2. I would personally like to thank you for your commitment and leadership in this decision which is a critical milestone in reducing the causes of problem gambling and gambling related harm.

I am, however, very concerned to hear that implementing this change could take two years with the Treasury suggesting an implementation date of April 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to underline the importance of implementing this policy as soon as possible.

I am aware that there were concerns within the Treasury over the loss of its revenue from these machines, but to compensate for the tax lost from FOBTs, the Treasury will be increasing Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) later this year. It would be immoral and unacceptable for the Government to continue to take money from the vulnerable after the increase in RGD has come into force, as it would already have an alternative revenue stream in place.

The Government should implement this change no later than April 2019, which would give a more than sufficient implementation period as making the technical changes to these machines is simply a case of turning the content off.

Since the Government launched its call for evidence on the maximum stake on FOBTs in October 2016, £3bn has been lost to these machines by those who can least afford it.

Making the policy change is one important part of the process but it is the implementation of it which will end the harm and financial loss being caused by FOBT machines.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with your advisers to discuss the urgent need for stake reduction and give an industry perspective on the need for this change as well as insight on the relatively minor technical changes the bookmakers need to make to reduce the stake on their FOBT machines.

Yours sincerely,
Gabino Stergides
President
Bacta

Coinslot June 29th – July 5th 2018, 2583 Page 16