Culture secretary describes withdrawn betting shop games as 'disgraceful'

Culture secretary Jeremy Wright branded the introduction of new products which were claimed to have undermined curbs on FOBT stakes as "disgraceful" on Thursday.

He was speaking during culture questions in the House of Commons when he also said he had sympathy with his Labour counterpart Tom Watson who had asked him whether he agreed it was time to ban gambling on credit cards.

The maximum stake on FOBTs was reduced to £2 from £100 on April 1, a move high-street bookmakers have claimed would result in widespread betting shop closures and the loss of thousands of jobs, as well as a reduction in income for racing.

Betfred and Paddy Power withdrew roulette-style games that were being trialled last week following a warning from the Gambling Commission and could still face action as the regulator continues its investigations.

Labour MP Carolyn Harris asked Wright what promises he could make that bookmakers would not be allowed to do such things again "in pursuit of further exploitation".

Wright replied: "The actions of those who tried to find a way around the procedures banning the things that we across this House have decided should be banned were disgraceful.

"What happened thereafter, as she knows, is that the regulator took immediate action and those particular products were withdrawn.

"I hope that that lesson will be learned by all those across the industry who are tempted to try it again."

Tom Watson called for a ban on credit card gamblingCredit: Phil Harris / Mirrorpix

Earlier Watson raised the example of a woman who had built up debts of more than £100,000 with two online casinos using nine different credit cards in the space of just two days, asking: "Does he agree with me that it is time to ban credit card gambling?"

Wright replied: "I have a good deal of sympathy with what the honourable gentleman says and huge sympathy with those who find themselves in the position of the individual he describes."

He added: "He will know that the Gambling Commission is at the moment looking at the specific question of gambling on credit.

"That is a process we have encouraged. I look forward very much to its conclusions. The government intend to take action on the back of what it says."

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