The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that one exists. Thats what gambling addicts are often told in therapy, but it can be applied to any given scenario. Which is why the bookies trade body, the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), did themselves very few favours by publicly refusing to accept there was an issue with FOBTs.
For years, the ABB appeared as though they were in denial, which meant despite the evidence of harm building and public opinion turning more heavily against their high stakes machines, the bookies were in no position to offer any meaningful concessions such as voluntarily reducing the maximum stake from 100 a spin.
Instead, the ABB opted for public relations initiatives designed to soften t…
Read the full article at: https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/culture/opinion/campaign-fairer-gambling/102120/online-gambling-next-battleground-bookies