GAMBLERS in Bromsgrove have lost more than £1m to fixed-odds betting terminal (FOBT) machines in the last year, figures reveal.
With a total of seven bookmakers and 26 FOBT machines in the district, £1,233,608 was lost last year according to a study by Landman Economics.
Between 2008 and 2016, the study also claims £8,357,521 was lost on the machines leading to 135 jobs losses.
The Gambling Commission released its new figures into gambling in the UK and found that £1.82bn was spent on FOBTs last year.
The British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) is leading the campaign to reduce the maximum stake on FOBTs from £100 to minimise the potential for harm these machines pose to at-risk gamblers.
John White,CEO at BACTA, said: “These figures underline the damaging impact of high-stakes FOBTs, right across the UK.
“In Bromsgrove alone, over £1 million is being lost by gamblers annually and all its Parliamentary candidates should recognise the danger these hardcore machines pose.
“The only way to protect consumers is through a substantial reduction to the £100 stake limit.
“We urge the next Government to pursue this as a matter of priority and hope that Bromsgrove’s next MP will support this important move to safeguard those most at risk of gambling harm.”
