UK pushes review of FOBTs
The government’s decision has been further complicated by the fact that MPs in the Democratic Unionist party, which holds the balance of power in parliament, are in favour of cutting the maximum FOBT stake from £100 to as low as £2.
The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is examining the machines amid claims – hotly disputed by bookmakers – that they are highly addictive and make it too easy for problem gamblers to lose thousands of pounds in a matter of hours.
Sources told the Guardian that a big factor in the delay has been the influence of the Treasury, with the picture further complicated by the emerging influence of the DUP.
The Treasury is understood to be concerned at the impact on tax receipts if the DCMS recommends a major curb on FOBTs, which took a record £1.8bn from British gamblers last year.
The UK’s 34,388 machines, which allow punters to stake up to £100 every 20 seconds, contribute around £400m in taxes every year.
Isle of Man updates gambling laws with new fitness standards and penalty system
Zitro Digital appoints Thiago Valadão as Commercial Director for Brazil
HIPTHER appoints Elena Stepanyatova to lead event content and production across conference portfolio
William Hill owner Evoke to close 270 shops as losses widen on tax hit
CT Interactive expands portfolio, boosts Bulgaria presence in April
Sportsbook integration: Deploying betting widgets at scale
Flows secures Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board authorisation
Riddec Games enters Nirmata Play distribution network through Stargate partnership
Wazdan earns triple nominations at AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 for excellence in slots and branding
