English authorities have recently disapproved of the fact that more and more betting shops are located on the high streets. They are said to provide gaming opportunities that have not been approved by UK gaming regulators.
Authorities referred to the Sustainable Communities Act and required the ministers to take urgent measures. They demanded them to reduce the maximum stakes when using a betting shop gaming machine. Currently, the so called fixed-odds betting terminals accept bets equal to £100. Authorities want the sum limited to £2.
The fact that ninety-three local authorities settled down around the idea made ministers take their point into consideration. Actually, that was considered to be a pretty wise move that will definitely lead to a positive outcome. Even if ministers reject authorities’ proposal, Government will be supposed to discuss the matters and eventually a compromise might be reached.
According to the councils, betting shops are unfavorable to the well-being of UK residents as they encourage anti-social behavior.
The council of Newham, who is also leading the coalition,commented that the number of cases, concerning anti-social behavior and crimes is growing and the majority of them are caused because of the gambling activities in the betting shops, available at every corner.
What is more, authorities are concerned that the abundant choice of betting opportunities make the problem gambling issues even more serious.
And to make matters worse, there are more and more bookies who are willing to open a shop, located at a bustling place. It looks like there is a huge demand for high stake casino games and bookmakers are trying to adapt to players’ requirements.
Needless to say, the significant stake reduction proposal attracted lots of supporters and opponents.
Seán Woodward, the leader of Fareham borough council said that reducing the number of betting shops would definitely be beneficial to local communities. He pointed out that it would also contribute to protecting the vulnerable part of the population, namely teenagers, from finding themselves in the vicious circle of gambling addiction.
Another key figure, responsible for gaming regulation affairs, said that betting shops have a devastating effect on shopping districts, especially in areas that are not really affluent. Plus, the fact itself that 93 councils considered this kind of gambling activities to be inappropriate indicated that their concerns are not groundless.
However, the Association of British Bookmakers disapproved of these arguments and its representatives said that even if the stake is reduced to £2, they are not convinced that it will help UK authorities fight the gambling addiction problems.
Currently, authorities are reviewing different alternatives, which can be beneficial to both sides – bookmakers and citizens.
The spokesperson of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said that UK politicians are taking all the necessary measures, intended to ensure the protection of underaged residents and players, prone to indulging themselves in excessive gambling activities.
