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TheInvestor2
22 Mar 12 17:36
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Date Joined: 28 May 11
| Topic/replies: 2,502 | Blogger: TheInvestor2's blog
Do you think the limit of 4 fixed odds betting terminals (FOBT) allowed per betting shop serves any purpose?

Personally I think it makes sense to either ban them completely, or let the shops have as many as they like.

These machines are so lucrative that the big bookies can fill a street with about ten bookies that cover running costs just from these machines. They make money and take up space that would otherwise be available to other retailers if the bookie could have more units in one outlet? I believe that the main purpose of having shops of the same chain within about 100 metres of each other is to pack in more FOBT's.

So how would you order the following three options by what you prefer:

1) Make FOBT's illegal
2) Keep the limit of 4 per shop
3) Allow bookies to put as many as they like in their shop
Pause Switch to Standard View FOBT's per shop limit, does it work?
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Report JLivermore March 22, 2012 4:56 PM GMT
I don't know much about this... but seems to me these machines are just like casino games - gambling for gambling's sake (as opposed to gambling on something which exists anyway)... Do bookies need the same license as a casino to have FOBTs?

if I was in charge:
1) Make FOBT's illegal
2) Keep the limit of 4 per shop
3) Allow bookies to put as many as they like in their shop
Report pumpkinslayer2 March 22, 2012 5:35 PM GMT
I believe they get around needing a liscense by having the RNG elsewhere, off shore maybe even.
Report gwladys street March 22, 2012 5:38 PM GMT
corals/hills ect pay around 2.5k a year for each machine

the shop i have been working in is very quite and still makes around 3k-5k a week on these machines.
Report TheInvestor2 March 22, 2012 6:56 PM GMT
For me it seems either / or. Either get rid of them completely, or allow as many as they like.

The reason is that these machines are so profitable, that retail space is being taken from other (mainly small) businesses, just so that they can be filled with these FOBTs.

I don't understand why someone would prefer a limit of 4 over no limit. If willhill thinks it can profitably operate 12 machines in a street, they will simply open 3 shops. Better to let them have 1 shop with 12 machines, and they won't bother opening 3.
Report dixie March 22, 2012 7:05 PM GMT
12 machines in one shop would mean you need to wear ear defenders.
Report JLivermore March 22, 2012 8:39 PM GMT
I see what you're on about now.  The are tons of bookies round here and I always thought it was starbucks/pret type strategy which explained the number, but your reason makes much more sense.  There is even a local campaign.

http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2012/02/betting-shops-local-councils
Report ror March 22, 2012 10:15 PM GMT
Limit a shop to 4 and let councils limit the number of bookies allowed, so hill's or whatever can't just open 3 shops next to each other to get more of these machines.
Report Trevh March 24, 2012 1:15 AM GMT
I agree with you Investor, do we know why the limit of 4 exists? Presumably it's down to think tank legislation to control problem gambling, only it doesn't, much like introducing a minimum alcohol unit price won't control problem drinking.

By comparison, why aren't (probably the same punters) limited to buying x amount of lottery tickets per week, or x amount of scratch cards. I would bet even more money is wasted by those that can least afford it on lotteries per week than fobt's.
Report billyboy19 March 24, 2012 1:20 PM GMT
I have always thought that the 4 per shop limit was a compromise with the casinos
Report Escapee March 24, 2012 2:41 PM GMT
The Limit of 4 per shop was thought necessary to prevent to many stupid people gathering in one place.
Report Nebs March 25, 2012 12:17 PM BST
Let them have as many as they like, but have increased taxation on extra machines, e.g. 10% on the first machine, 20% on the second 30% on the third machine, etc.
Report Marxist-Leninist March 31, 2012 10:59 AM BST
First and most important change - make sure that the gap between spins is exactly the game as it would be in a casino.
Report Mr Snap March 31, 2012 12:31 PM BST
TheInvestor2     22 Mar 12 17:36 
Do you think the limit of 4 fixed odds betting terminals (FOBT) allowed per betting shop serves any purpose?

Personally I think it makes sense to either ban them completely, or let the shops have as many as they like.

These machines are so lucrative that the big bookies can fill a street with about ten bookies that cover running costs just from these machines. They make money and take up space that would otherwise be available to other retailers if the bookie could have more units in one outlet? I believe that the main purpose of having shops of the same chain within about 100 metres of each other is to pack in more FOBT's.

What's wrong with the thousands of empty premises on most high streets at present? Other retailers either blind or broke!!

Not the greatest point you've ever posted!
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