Why FOBTs addictive panorama now

Good coverage so far, realistic comment.

Why do half the threads on here point out what programmes are on tele ? I've hidden mine in the boot of my car since Friday cos I aint got no licence and I've had a 'tip off' .
I'm absolutely dying to go get it and plug it in but I fear that would be the catalyst for an episode of Sod's Law

is this prog a repeat?

FOBTS ...mug punting..

I gave a talk about these to a load of councillors a couple of years ago.

Should up the limit to 20 machines per shop.
That would make it harder for the mugs as there would be fewer shops, your addiction would be more public and it would be safer for staff as there would be less single manning.
At the end of the day, nobody is forcing them.

The shops are in high streets now, because of the machines. This makes players more anonymous.
They're not mugs bongo. Think yourself lucky you aren't hooked.
I have seen otherwise well adjusted, intelligent, not really heavy gamblers get into mega trouble over FOBTs, known one and one attempted suicide.

If you're not being watched Reynard, how can anyone know you're watching your TV, Reynard?

Its ok STUDYFORM , they got an in-running thread on the horse racing forum

You now need a licence to watch TV on your computer, whether or not it's "live" TV. The government already has the regulatory powers to force your internet provider to tell them what you've done online.

The fact that they claim not to have done so doesn't mean that they haven't or won't.

That large numbers of small shops exist is only viable because of the 4 machines rule, a product of the govt and the GC.
So late at night you might have 5 players in 5 different shops all playing solo, with a single member of staff present. Exaggeration but you get the picture.
Let competition eliminate the smaller shops, then you'd have 5 people playing in the same shop, possibly fewer as nobody likes losing in front of people they know.

Suicide rates are generally low. However being male, from the north-east, single, jobless and aged 45-60 is the biggest risk group. FOBTs do not cause suicide attempts. People cause suicide attempts. And yes, if you play a FOBT then you are a mug. The only change the GC should make is to ensure you have a tally of your losses ( like betfair P&L ) and a sign above them telling you that you will lose 3% long term, and that if you play long term then you are a mug.

And yes, I have been to GA, and I've listened to the suicide attempt stories and absolutely all of them said it was not the fault of the betting shops, it was their own fault and there was nobody to blame but themselves.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act (1948) (as amended) clearly states that the licence is to operate the equipment.

Porcupine, the benefit of FOBTs for the industry is that they are CASH. Despite what the GC pretends to do about money laundering, the big firms rely on it.
I had an independent betting shop. The machines made nothing for me as it happens (are they geared more towards the big firms, no-one can prove they're not). I could go on for hours about why they're wrong.
I also had dealings with the bloke who invented them, AND had quite a bit to do with the campaign for fairer gambling.

Of cause it's their own fault bongo, but they're being subliminally driven to it.

I've worked in the betting industry since I was 18. In betting shops, casinos, on course, and at all levels.
Here and abroad. I've also gambled a lot myself, often to a point of problems. Also to GA as it happens
I think it's fair to say there isn't much I don't know or haven't seen in gambling.
Without any doubt FOBTs are the most damaging, unscrupulous, nasty thing to have happened to the betting industry and to society where gambling is concerned, ever.

Together with the greed of the people who run Horse racing and the greed of SIS, the creation of the completely unnecessary and clueless Gambling Commission, they have slaughtered betting shops as community venues and although there was always problem gambling, it was a fraction of the problem it is now.

bongo,
The suicide and near suicide I know of were both of respectable, well waged, from the South East, otherwise happy people.
Drunks, junkies, overeaters, anorexics, smokers and others all do it to themselves, but they can't help it, perhaps you think they have nobody to blame but themselves either.
I have seen old blokes who used to do a 10p yankee every day loading note after note into them. they are addictive and should be banned.

thats why it will never get stopped, you can wager 10 x more + on line.

so at their £100 max spin they look like they're doing their bit

I was putting a bet on in a Shop , Or Trying To Anyway the Manager is giving it plenty to other people in the Shop  about their weekly Tournaments on The machines, Some poor bloke standing next me obviously putting on his daily multi was given the full speal by the manager ,I dont even think he knew what he was talking about, I just glared at the cxnt , he shut up, as the guy was leaving Manager shouted out I just thought I would give you the heads up ,WAC,also giving people free spins ,and play money spins ,fkin leaches ..

The Heads Up Ron

@casemoney I spoke to my local manager saying I wouldn't play the machines so to stop bothering me.
He apologised and said he was only acting under instructions from his bosses.

Gambling addicts have existed for all time...and trying to stop someone who is addicted is early impossible

These machines and on line casino seem to be particularly addictive though?

I don't want them banning all on line gambling though

Some of us need our daily sports best