News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Betting-machine-main_article_image.jpg
Creative commons
UK News

Christian charity welcomes NI bookmakers betting machine curbs

by Eno Adeogun

McLeans and Toals are members of trade group Northern Ireland Turf Guardians' Association (NITGA), which has recommended operators should follow the rest of the UK in reducing the amount that can be wagered on the machines by 1st April, 2019.

William Hill, Paddy Power and Coral have also agreed to reduce the stake on FOBTs from £100 to just £2 from April in Northern Ireland.

 

Mark Baillie, CARE in Northern Ireland's policy officer said of the news: "This is fantastic news and credit should be given to Councillor Kyle for taking up this vital issue and to the bookies for proactive action.

"FOBTs cause genuine social devastation and the toxic combination they offer of high speed play and a high maximum stake means punters can lose thousands far too easily.

"With the British Government cutting the stake over there, it was vital bookies took action to bring NI into line with the rest of the UK.

"The fact that FOBTs operate in a legal grey area meant the onus was with the bookies to do something to address the absurdly high maximum stake here.

Lee Davy

"The fact they have done so is great news for problem gamblers and their families all across Northern Ireland.

"Let's hope this is the start of further action to provide support and help to those addicted to gambling."

While the rest of the UK is bound to bring FOBT maximum stakes down to £2 because of legislation passed at the end of 2018, Northern Ireland isn't.

The country's gambling industry is regulated by the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and not the Gambling Act 2005.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate