Posted on 2013-10-22 | 01:54

Roger is supporting a campaign to tackle the proliferation of betting shops and high-stake gaming machines on high streets in Birmingham Hall Green and across the UK.

The high-stake machines, known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, are currently limited to four in each shop. However, there have been worrying reports that betting shops are opening multiple outlets on the same street to get past these rules and maximise their profits.

Local communities have attempted to challenge the proliferation of betting outlets, but have not been very successful. There is concern that the recent temporary lifting of planning restrictions, in an attempt to help the economic regeneration of UK high streets, may make the problem worse as bookmakers will attempt to exploit the situation by opening as many shops as possible during this time.

Speaking after a meeting in his constituency, Roger said: “I am concerned that the Government have failed to take action to stop the spread of these shops, which rather than regenerating our high streets will suck money from the pockets of those who can least afford it. They will also take up space that would be better used by local businesses and charities, which will make a contribution to the local area.”

Roger continued: “I am extremely concerned about figures released by the Stop the FOBTs campaign, showing that in my constituency there are 17 bookmakers operating 62 FOBTs, on which the amount gambled is an astounding £66,960,324. While not all of this money is lost, it is still an enormous sum. In order to protect my constituents from these unscrupulous shops, I am therefore supporting the campaign to restrict the stake on FOBTs to £2 per spin. I would also like to see the Government take action to ensure that the temporary lifting of planning restrictions does not allow these shops to proliferate on our high streets.”