27/01/2009 - Fruit machine 'jackpot' condemned
Doubling of the prize money - and the stake - for pub fruit machines has been condemned by the Church of England.
It has accused the Government of pandering to the gambling industry by considering allowing the amounts to rise to £70 and £1 respectively. The Church's Mission and Public Affairs Council has warned that these Category C machines carry particularly high risks of addiction, and are gateways to more serious gambling.
Companies have said the request is the result of the economic downturn, and also covers an increase to £50 and £1 for 'crane grab' machines. Earlier this month the Government announced plans to force the gambling industry to help fund helplines and treatment centres for gambling addicts.
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spokeswoman said: "These measures will help seaside arcades, family entertainment centres and pubs while ensuring that the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act, such as the protection of children and vulnerable people, are not put at risk. Stringent regulations, the Gambling Commission's technical standards and codes of practice governing the use of gaming machines will remain in place. Category C machines, for example, must be located in areas restricted to over-18s."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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