'Like big tobacco' – gambling's reputation has gone up in smoke

The battle over FOBT stakes has been won but campaigners and politicians will not be reducing their interest in the gambling industry.

The focus on the sector has swiftly moved elsewhere with thinktank ResPublica, in conjunction with the Campaign For Fairer Gambling, this week publishing a report that calls on government to treat gambling like "big tobacco".

ResPublica also wrote to culture secretary Matt Hancock, in a letter co-signed by 19 MPs and peers from across the political parties, calling on him to work with the Gambling Commission to prevent "loopholes" around advertising being exploited by the industry.