AN East Lancashire MP has urged the government to act fast to restrict the stakes permitted for High Street gambling machines as it announced a review into the issue.

Graham Jones, Hyndburn and Haslingden MP, warned the investigation announced earlier this week could be just ‘smoke and mirrors’ without real measures to prevent addiction to the computerised devices common in betting shops.

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Pendle Tory MP Andrew Stephenson shares some of his Labour colleague’s concerns about vulnerable people in poorer areas of East Lancashire becoming hooked on the machines. He welcomed the review.

Launching the new probe, culture minister Tracey Crouch said as up to 600,000 people in the UK take part in ‘problem gambling’.

The review will take a ‘close look’ at fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs), now common on high streets, and children’s access to gambling.

Mr Jones has long campaigned for restrictions on the machines. He said: “FOBTs are a plague on society, the crack cocaine of gambling where players can bet £100 per spin every 20 seconds. That’s £300 per minute.

“I have campaigned for years on this subject and the government have had the opportunity to act. Ministers have consistently favoured the gambling industry. It’s only natural people see this is a smoke and mirrors exercise.

“The government has the powers in legislation to make the maximum stake £2 tomorrow.”

Mr Stephenson said: “I am not opposed to gambling. However I share fellow MPs’ concerns that there seem a lot of these machines in a lot of betting shops in places like Nelson and Colne.

“They seem particularly attractive to vulnerable people in poorer communities. I welcome this review and hope it will get the balance right between the industry and at-risk consumers.

“I also want the government to keep online betting in the home and TV advertising for gambling under close review.”

Regulator, The Gambling Commission, said it was an ‘excellent opportunity’ for all those with an interest to have their say.

The Association of British Bookmakers stated any review should be ‘evidence-based and not unfairly penalise the majority who gamble responsibly and enjoy their leisure pursuit’.

Fixed odds betting terminals are found in betting shops across the United Kingdom where customers can play casino games such as roulette, poker and Black Jack, and electronic slot games and virtual racing.The maximum stake on FOBTs is £100., with top prize money of £500