According to the Sunday Telegraph (April 27) the UK government is about to give local authorities the power to stop the opening of new bookmakers’ shops in their areas.
At the root of the matter is the future of the fixed odds betting terminal, a betting machine that is virtually the same as the VLT. Intensive media pressure leading to promises of action by the UK government and, indeed, a sharp uplift in tax only a month ago, is about to result in even stronger curbing measures.
Prime Minister David Cameron, the paper reported, will this week announce that major bookmaking chains such as William Hill and Ladbrokes, will be prevented from opening new premises if local authorities wish it. New planning laws will be introduced leading to more stringent scrutiny of planning applications for bookies’ shops.
The gaming industry has already called for an inquiry into the “unfair competition” from bingo clubs in particular, following the uplift in taxation. The news of fresh powers to local authorities is likely to increase the pressure from operators and suppliers. Paddy Power, another major bookmaker, is reportedly planning to call for an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority.
William Hill last week announced that it is to close 109 betting shops through the increase in taxation. The betting industry was due to present a million-strong petition to the government this week urging it not to take action against the business, warning that 10,000 jobs were at risk.
The opposition Labour party has already promised to introduce new laws to control the spread of betting shops. Under current UK law, up to four FOBTs can be installed in a betting shop and there are currently 33,000 in operation.
