Resolved –

This Council notes: 

·         In Bradford we have 62 betting shops but among these there are a large number of FOBTs – up to 248.

·         The prevalence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) in betting shops, often referred to in the media as “the crack cocaine of gambling”, allowing bets of up to £100 every 20 seconds 

·         In 2012, over £1.5bn was lost on FOBTs across the UK. More profit was made from FOBTs than from the National Lottery, yet the most recent British Gambling Prevalence Survey found that while 56% of the population play the Lottery, just 4% play FOBTs.

·         Research carried out by Geofutures, which found there are four times as many betting shops, which house FOBTs, in areas of high unemployment than in areas of low unemployment.

·         Concern of the continued delays by Government in reporting back from the Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures

·         The position in the Republic of Ireland where the Government has introduced legislation to ban FOBTs in betting shops.

Bradford Council is concerned that the increase in FOBTs is causing significant problems and believes the Government should introduce legislation to ban B2 casino games in betting shops. 

This Council will write to Government expressing our concerns outlined above and to ask for a speedy publication of their response to the Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures.  If this does not recommend a ban then we additionally request that Government:

·         Reduces the maximum bet per spin on FOBTs to £2

·         Starts an immediate review of problem gambling

·         Introduces a compulsory levy for gambling companies that will fund research and treatment to help problem gamblers deal with their addiction

• Grants local authorities greater powers through the planning system to restrict the excessive clustering on our high streets of betting shops with FOBTs.

ACTION:       Chief Executive/Strategic Director Place