The issue I, and a lot of politicians, have is the behaviour of the betting firms towards lucrative/problem (delete as applicable) gamblers.
Betting firms have "VIP" teams that reach out to people with gambling problems, and do all they can to keep that revenue rolling in, regardless of affordability.
Haven't made as many bets this month? "Here's a £200 bonus in your account".
Lost £10k with us this year? "Here's tickets to the FA Cup Final, now remember, we're the only people that that look after you. Have a free £100 bet while you're there".
Look at their predatory methods with the FOBTs. Quite happy for people (usually on low incomes with cash in their pocket) to lose hundreds of pounds a minute, and lobbied like crazy for them to be able to continue doing it. Threatened shops closing etc etc.
This nonsense of "when the fun stops, stop". It's not as easy as that when you've just lost your week's wage and you need to go back to your family and explain. Or do you gamble more and try and get out your slump. Also "loss limits" being advertised as if it's a good thing. "limit how much money we can take from you".
The sooner we get away from providing a platform for these companies, the better. If people want to gamble, they can gamble. It isn't stopping it happening, just stopping the advertising of it which may bring in new, potential problem gamblers with the promise of big riches on this new Cleopatra slot game crap, or drag back people with problems that may be doing everything in their willpower to stay away from.
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