"No new approach" from Government on fixed odds betting terminals

The Government announced that the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals would be reduced from £100 to £2. It was announced in the 2018 Budget that this change would be implemented in October 2019.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Jeremy Wright, responded to the urgent question. He told the House:

"The government does not have a new approach to fixed odds betting terminals. The reduction in stakes for fixed odds betting terminals is an important change, and it is the right thing to do. But there are several factors to consider in determining the date from when it should take effect." 

The Secretary of State reiterated the government's intention to reduce stakes in October 2019, in order to balance reduction of harm with betting shop job losses and lost tax revenue.

Tom Watson followed up on his question, pressing the Government to address inconsistencies between written statements from earlier this year and the 2018 Budget.

"It seem to me incomprehensible, and inconceivable, that the government would delay a policy supported by many people, on both sides of this House, and in both chambers."

• Watch Parliament TV: Urgent question on fixed odds betting terminals
• Read Commons Hansard: Urgent question on fixed odds betting terminal

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