Walsall gamblers’ fears over ‘fixed odds’ machines

Walsall Council’s licensing committee is to meet on Wednesday where it is expected to approve and adopt a revised statement of principles in relation to the Gambling Act.

But members are also set to agree to work with partners to raise the profile of charities and organisations who help those suffering harm because of gambling.

National organisation GamCare, which provides information and support to gamblers, said it received calls from 105 Walsall people in 2017/18.

This was 11 more than they received the previous year and included two people who each had debts of more than £20,000.

A report to committee by director of public health Barbara Watt said the biggest cause for concern was the impact of fixed odds betting machines, which have been the subject of much debate and controversy due to delays over implementing legislation to bring the maximum stake down from £100 to £2.

She said: “The data from 2017/18 referred to 105 callers and suggests it is mainly the gambler themselves calling GamCare.

“Predominantly the caller is male, under 45, and did not want to specify the level of debt they had but at least two people had a debt of over £20,000.

“The reason for calling was primarily financial difficulties, anxiety/stress and family/relationship difficulties.

“The gambling activity causing the problem was mainly fixed odd betting terminals followed by online Roulette.

“Seventy nine people received some form of treatment for the issues raised.

“The main cause for concern from the GamCare data appears to be fixed odd betting terminals.

“The Government announced in 2017 that it intended to reduce the maximum stakes on these machines from £100 to £2.

“A statement made in November 2018 however suggested that it is unlikely this change will be introduced before October 2019.

“The Minister responsible Tracey Crouch resigned as a result of the delay due to the impact this delay would have on people’s lives.

“The Licensing Service will monitor this situation over the next 12 months.”

There are currently 51 licensed premises in the borough, made up of 34 betting establishments, eight adult gaming places, six bingo halls and three casinos.

Report by Gurdip Thandi

Local Democracy Reporter