The reality for hundreds of thousands of kids in the UK, and millions around the world is that they are going without food and other living essentials because they live with a parent who is addicted to high stake casino style electronic gambling terminals.
In the UK these machines are known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). They were introduced into British betting shops in 2001 after the then Chancellor Gordon Brown abolished duty on individual bets in favour of a tax on bookmakers gross profits. 
2012 FOBT statistics
- UK install base 34,000 FOBT (2012)
- Generate £3.68 billion profits. (Source Daily Mail)
- Estimated £46 billion staked. (Source William Hill/Ladbrokes)
Recent research shows that 23% of FOBT players are addicted. That is more than 300,000 people addicted to these betting terminals alone.
The UK Gambling industry as a whole are contributing a miserly £5 million to combating gambling addiction whilst they cash in to the tune of £850 million a year from FOBT misery and depriving kids and families from having food on the table.
These machines are dangerous, yet the vast majority of the UK population, more than 96% don't play them and most don't even know what they are or care about their existence.
Our government continues to allow a product that is harmful for nearly a quarter of its users to be available and marketed.
Its time to take action and to join the campaign to STOP THE FOBTs.
High stakes casino style betting terminals have different names in different regions.
- UK (FOBTs), Australia (pokies), - Mainland Europe & Canada (VLT, Novamatic), - USA (slots)
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