Are gaming machines related to problem gambling (fruit machines, slot machines)?
To date there is no evidence that establishes the nature
of any causal link between gaming machines (fruit machines, slot
machines) and problem gambling.
The British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010
shows problem gambling rates by activity. However, caution is
needed when looking at problem gambling rates for individual
activities. Simply looking at which activities have the highest
problem gambling rate does not take into account the fact that
problem gamblers tend to gamble on a range of activities.
While rates of problem gambling may be higher amongst gamblers
who participate in certain activities, this does not necessarily
mean that the type of gambling in question causes
people to develop problems to a greater extent than other forms of
gambling.
In 2008-09 we undertook a range of exploratory research to be
able to advise the then Minister for Sport on the areas in which
further research is required to understand the impact that all
types of gaming machines have on problem gambling.
The outcomes of that review were summarised in
a letter to the Minister in June 2009 (this letter was
addressed to the previous minister of the Labour Government and
will be taken up by the Minister for the current Coalition
Government).
The recommendations in that letter are being taken forward by
the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board
and the Responsible Gambling
Fund.
Page last reviewed: July 2011