Government crackdown on 'high stake gambling'
Local authorities have been given greater powers to decide whether to allow new high street betting shops to open under a review of gambling measures.
Thousands 'can be bet hourly' on high stakes slots
Tighter rules on betting machines are expected to be announced today as part of a government review of gambling policy, with measures set to allow councils to refuse a planning application if they are worried about the number of shops.
A poll by the Sunday People earlier this month found that thousands can be spent hourly on the machines.
Some 63% said that fruit machines encourage problem gambling and 56% want the maximum stake limit cut from £100 to £20, it added.
People can bet £300 a minute, £18,000 a hour, on the high speed machines and they are mainly clustered in the most deprived parts of the country.
The Association of British Bookmakers said in a DCMS review last year, slot machines "add to the vitality and vibrancy of the high street" and drive footfall to other businesses.
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How I tried the 'crack cocaine' of gaming machines
The government have announced major proposals on high stakes gambling, but what is it like to spend £100 in 20 seconds?
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Government to crack down on 'high stake gambling'
The Minister for Sport, Tourism and Equalities Helen Grant MP has today proposed new laws regarding betting shops and high stake gamblers.