At a meeting of the full council last week, councillors agreed on four measure - proposed by the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) committee - to crack-down on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT) after concerns were raised nationally about the potentially harmful nature of the machines.

There are thought to be around 11 licensed betting premises with approximately 40 FOBT in Argyll and Bute. These gambling machines allow players to bet on the outcome of various games and events with fixed odds. They are usually touch screen operated and cover a variety of games; ranging from casino games such as roulette, Poker, and Black Jack, to electronic slot games and virtual racing.

Regarding the addictive nature of the machines, the council report claims customers can bet up to £100 per spin every 20 seconds on casino games – no other gaming machine allows such high-speed, high-stake play.

Firstly, it was agreed to lobby the Scottish Government to consider applying their devolved powers to reduce the impact of FOBT on communities.

In addition, the council will lobby the UK Government to establish a regulatory link between gambling and public health; reduce the maximum number of FOBT in betting shops to reduce the stakes available for games; and establish a role for local authority inspection of the machines once they are on site.

It was agreed the council should refer the issue to COSLA to seek a coordinated approach from Scottish local authorities and elected members noted a model motion, published by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, which could be considered for amendment.