Ladbrokes to apply change in FOBT stakes in Northern Ireland

Ladbrokes are to cut through uncertainty over FOBT stakes in Northern Ireland by reducing maximum stakes to £2 to mirror the rest of the United Kingdom.

FOBTs operate in a legal grey area in Northern Ireland. The Gambling Act 2005 does not extend to the country, where gambling is regulated under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, and the government's decision to reduce the maximum stake on FOBTs to £2 from £100, which will now come into effect in April, does not apply there.

However, Ladbrokes director for Ireland Jackie Murphy said: "There is no legislation in Northern Ireland but we have to do the right thing so of course we will enact it. I don't think it would be good business for anybody in Northern Ireland if it suddenly became the Las Vegas of the UK and blatantly flouted these changes.

"So we do the right thing by the customers. We are a socially responsible company and that's what we should do."

Betting shop manager of the year Lorraine Archibald said: "Ladbrokes Coral as a company believe responsible gambling is such an important thing and such an important feature of bookmaking at the minute, it's the right thing to do for customers and we want the customers to come in and enjoy their time in the shop but in a safe responsible way.

"It's our responsibility to provide that for the customers and we will be implementing it [the FOBT change] even through we don't have to. The law is Northern Ireland is a bit of a grey area.

"We have a strong over-the-counter business – horseracing is so popular in Northern Ireland – and we are ready for the challenge and do the right thing for the customer as well."

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