Radical measures could be coming on machines

Betting shop operators have been warned to brace themselves for bad news coming from the government's review of gaming machines by former culture secretary John Whittingdale.

Whittingdale, who held responsibility for gambling in government until being replaced by Karen Bradley last July, delivered the gloomy message as guest speaker at the Association of British Bookmakers' annual meeting in London.

The government launched a call for evidence into gambling in October with the main element the review of stakes and prizes for gaming machines, also known as fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs), which make up more than half of betting shop revenues.