Michael Matheson, Scotland’s new Justice Secretary, pointed out that he will do his best to prevent the further distribution of fixed-odds betting terminals in the country.
Every 20 seconds, the touchscreen devices give punters the opportunity to wager up to £100 on games like poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.
Mr. Matheson promised that he will prevent the placement of new fixed-odds betting terminals in betting shops around the country. Yet, he shared that he has not been authorized by the Parliament of Scotland to reduce the limits or completely ban the already installed devices.
Currently, there are a total of 4,000 fixed-odds betting terminals in Scotland, installed in over 1,000 shops.
The Scottish Justice Secretary said that the amendments that the UK Government has drafted concerning the recommendations of the Smith Commission are not enough to cope with the problem. Mr. Matheson pointed out that the proposed changes in legislation will give the authorities the power to cope with the applications for new betting machines. Yet, they will not be able to do anything about the areas where there are already way too many of these devices.
The official also promised that once the new bill is passed, they will use it in a constructive manner. It, however, will not help them deal with the regions with “over-provision” of betting machines.
According to recent reports, there are more than 30,000 problem punters in Scotland. What is more, local media reported that back in 2014, more than £4 billion were bet on the fixed-odds betting terminals around the country. Of these, £2 billion were wagered in areas that are traditionally considered to be inhabited by poorer citizens.
Mr. Matheson admitted that a sentencing council is to be summoned in October. Thus, communities will be able to share their opinion on how offenders should be legally punished. He said that at present, they have a presumption against three-month sentences. Henry McLeish, the former First Minister, recommended a presumption against six-month ones.
Mr. Matheson stated that he wants to focus his attention on what evidence points to. He considers this the best possible approach to offenders.
He also commented on the increasing community payback orders. These came into effect back in 2011 and formally replaced Probation Orders, Supervised Attendance Orders, as well as Community Service Orders. Mr. Matheson shared that he believes there are way more effective means of dealing with offending behavior.
He also said that the sentencing council will most certainly help officials tackle problem gambling and gambling offenders on a “much more consistent basis”.
