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Gambling measures condemned Slot machine rule change attacked
(about 3 hours later)
Religious groups have condemned a decision by Parliament to allow gambling operators to raise the minimum stakes for slot machines.Religious groups have condemned a decision by Parliament to allow gambling operators to raise the minimum stakes for slot machines.
The regulations were approved by the House of Lords on Tuesday evening.The regulations were approved by the House of Lords on Tuesday evening.
The changes mean some stakes will double from 50p to £1, with prize money also increasing in value.The changes mean some stakes will double from 50p to £1, with prize money also increasing in value.
A coalition, including the Methodist Church, The Church of Scotland, and the United Reformed Church say families struggling financially will be hit.A coalition, including the Methodist Church, The Church of Scotland, and the United Reformed Church say families struggling financially will be hit.
As a result category C gaming machines found in pubs and other public places will be modified to accept £1 as the minimum stake, rather than 50p.As a result category C gaming machines found in pubs and other public places will be modified to accept £1 as the minimum stake, rather than 50p.
The maximum prize money that can be won will rise from £35 to £70.The maximum prize money that can be won will rise from £35 to £70.
Prize money for so-called "Coin-pusher" machines will also grow, from £8 to £15.Prize money for so-called "Coin-pusher" machines will also grow, from £8 to £15.
A coalition of Christian groups in the UK say these are worrying developments. Christian groups in the UK say these are worrying developments.
I believe that they will increase problem gambling in a time of recession, and vulnerable people will be most affected Bishop of CarlisleI believe that they will increase problem gambling in a time of recession, and vulnerable people will be most affected Bishop of Carlisle
The group, which includes the Methodist Church, The Church of Scotland, and the United Reformed Church issued a statement expressing their disappointment. The alliance, which includes the Methodist Church, The Church of Scotland, and the United Reformed Church issued a statement expressing their disappointment.
"The government had promised that no such increase would be made until a further gambling prevalence study had been published and has reneged on this promise."The government had promised that no such increase would be made until a further gambling prevalence study had been published and has reneged on this promise.
"We do not know what effects this legislation will have on the levels of problem gambling or on the lives of those already addicted to slot machines, but we have always urged the government to act with caution.""We do not know what effects this legislation will have on the levels of problem gambling or on the lives of those already addicted to slot machines, but we have always urged the government to act with caution."
The Churches had urged the government not to bow to what they called pressure from the gambling industry.The Churches had urged the government not to bow to what they called pressure from the gambling industry.
They claim problem gambling is more likely to be found in areas of high deprivation, and at a time of economic crisis, more pressure should not have been brought to bear on what they termed "the most vulnerable".They claim problem gambling is more likely to be found in areas of high deprivation, and at a time of economic crisis, more pressure should not have been brought to bear on what they termed "the most vulnerable".
Faith groups have criticised the changes in stake and prize moneyFaith groups have criticised the changes in stake and prize money
The Bishop of Carlisle, an opponent of the changes, told the House during the debate that he did not know why the government wanted to help the gaming industry expand, when they knew that it could be addictive.The Bishop of Carlisle, an opponent of the changes, told the House during the debate that he did not know why the government wanted to help the gaming industry expand, when they knew that it could be addictive.
"There is evidence from Canada, Australia and New Zealand that at least one-third of the profits of gaming come from at-risk or problem gamblers. That is not entertainment."There is evidence from Canada, Australia and New Zealand that at least one-third of the profits of gaming come from at-risk or problem gamblers. That is not entertainment.
"I believe that they will increase problem gambling in a time of recession, and vulnerable people will be most affected."I believe that they will increase problem gambling in a time of recession, and vulnerable people will be most affected.
"The 2007 gambling prevalence study showed that those on lower incomes have higher rates of problem gambling.""The 2007 gambling prevalence study showed that those on lower incomes have higher rates of problem gambling."
Communications Minister Lord Carter of Barnes, defended the changes, saying they would help to save jobs in the industry.Communications Minister Lord Carter of Barnes, defended the changes, saying they would help to save jobs in the industry.
The minister told the House arcade revenue was down by 21%, resulting in nearly 1,000 jobs being lost.The minister told the House arcade revenue was down by 21%, resulting in nearly 1,000 jobs being lost.
And a spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport denied that the measures would endanger gamblers, promising to monitor the impact of the changes.
"The Gambling Commission has assured us that these increases will not jeopardise the protection of children and vulnerable people, a principle which remains at the heart of the Gambling Act.
"These measures are designed to ensure that the many thousands of people who manufacture machines or work in seaside arcades and pubs can weather this difficult economic period."
There will now be a 3-month waiting period while the EU is notified of the changes.There will now be a 3-month waiting period while the EU is notified of the changes.