Remit
The remit of this inquiry is to consider the level of control of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) as proposed in The Scotland Bill 2015.
Currently betting, gaming and lotteries are all matters reserved to Westminster. However, clause 49 of The Scotland Bill proposes devolving legislative competence in relation to gaming machines authorised by a betting premises licence where the maximum charge for a single play is more than £10.
The Gambling Act 2005 would be amended so the Scottish Ministers would be able to vary the number of machines allowed on betting premises. The power will only apply to applications for new premises.
The Committee intends to publish its report on Monday 21st December 2015.
Evidence
Written evidence
The Committee issued a call for evidence. The call for written evidence has now closed.
Read the call for views here:
Read the submissions received here:
Read the SPICe summary of the written evidence:
The Committee also sought views via a short and anonymous survey. Read the SPICe summary of the survey results:
The Committee also posted a question on Facebook. Read the answers here:
Oral evidence
The Committee took evidence on this issue from a range of stakeholders, including representatives from local authorities, betting industry and campaign groups, in a round-table format at its meeting on 11 November 2015.
Read the Official Report for the round-table discussion on 11 November 2015.
The Committee then took evidence from Scottish Government officials at its meeting on 18 November 2015.
Read the Official Report for the meeting on 18 November 2015.
Additional Information
Following the evidence session on 18 November 2015, the Committee agreed to write to the Chair of the Review of the Scottish Planning System to highlight members' concerns about local authorities being unable to use the planning system to prevent betting shops opening in some shop premises. The Committee also agreed to write to the 32 licensing boards to highlight Committee's concerns and encourage them to respond to the Review's call for evidence.