ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls was responding to the announcement earlier this week that the Government will conduct a review of gaming machines.
Important revenue stream
Nicholls said: “While people don’t visit pubs primarily to play fruit machines, the economic contribution made by them to our community locals is important. At the last review, the ALMR was crucial in pushing for an increase in the stakes and prizes for what is an important revenue stream for many pubs.
“The ALMR will be responding to the review to push for a more attractive offer for customers to better reflect the changing nature of the licensed hospitality offering and to allow customers to play them responsibly in a supervised environment.”
Announced on Tuesday, the gambling industry review will include a focus on stakes and prizes of gaming machines including fixed odds betting terminals, like those used in pubs.
Gambling minister Tracey Crouch said the move will include looking at the harm the machines cause, both to the player or the communities in which they are located. It will also look at other rules on gaming machines across the gambling industry.
Right balance
Evidence will be sought on measures to protect against gambling-related harm, including the impacts of gambling advertising and whether the correct regulations are currently in place to protect children and vulnerable people.
Crouch said: "It is important that gambling regulations strike the right balance between allowing the industry to contribute to the economy and enable people to bet responsibly while ensuring consumers and communities are protected.
"This review will gather evidence to fully assess current rules and protocols in the gambling sector and to help inform the Government to make decisions on any necessary amendments to gambling regulation."
The call for evidence period closes on 4 December.