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Blackpool bookies in underage gambling storm
TWO thirds of Blackpool betting shops have allowed children to play highly-addictive one armed bandits.
In Trading Standards' latest crackdown on underage gambling, 26 out of 39 Blackpool betting shops failed to stop children playing machines boasting 500 jackpots.
Some of the nation's top betting companies were involved and could face prosecution.
Resort branches of William Hill, Coral and Ladbrokes, Totesport and Betfred all allowed 15 and 16-year-olds to play the machines.
Some staff have now been suspended while bosses admit the situation is "worrying".
Current laws prevent under 18s from playing high jackpot machines.
Four months after The Gazette reported how arcade bosses were flouting strict laws on under 18s playing fruit machines, angry town hall chiefs say lessons are not being learned.
Blackpool Trading Standards boss Tim Coglan said he was shocked by the rate of failure at betting shops, coming so soon after 29 out of 31 arcades failed similar tests.
He said: "We've sent out a clear message to bookmakers they have a public duty to comply with the law.
"It's very important for us to look after the safety of young people and ensure they do not fall into bad habits and become addicted to gambling."
Council leader Coun Peter Callow added: "Lessons must be learned.
"We've already seen a number of arcades fail this test and perhaps the betting shops thought we wouldn't get to them.
"Our number one priority is the protection of children and I can't bear the thought of them wandering the streets indulging in activities like underage drinking and gambling, which can be very dangerous."
Trading Standards officers used two volunteers – aged 15 and 16 – to go into the Blackpool betting shops.
John Travers, corporate affairs manager for the Gambling Commission, said: "We welcome Blackpool's approach.
"We've already raised our concerns about underage gambling with the major betting operators and we understand they are taking steps to strengthen their controls.
"Operators that persist in allowing those under age to gamble could face further regulatory action."
Kate Miller, from William Hill, one of the firms to take action against its staff, said it was unacceptable they were not challenged by staff.
She said: "We take the issue of underage gambling very seriously and we are, therefore, extremely disappointed.
"We continue to put substantial resource and money into training staff to make them aware of our responsibilities in this area.
"In recent months we have trained more than 15,000 employees in the 'Think 21' principles rolled out throughout the business and have material such as posters, stickers and on screen training videos to provide daily reminders to staff.
Disappointed
"We have currently suspended the employees who failed to challenge, while we investigate these incidents further."
One member of William Hill staff, who did not want to be named, said: "I've worked through my holidays and when I was sick for the company and I think it's disgusting the way we are being treated for making one mistake."
However, Dave Stevens, from Coral Bookmakers, said: "It's something we're very disappointed about and as a company underage gambling is something we take very seriously.
"We have a 'Think 21' policy whereby staff are supposed to check the ID of people who look 21 let alone 18 so we're doubly disappointed in that respect.
"We will be working with relevant authorities and staff in all our shops, not just in Blackpool, to try to ensure this does not happen again."
Ladbrokes, Totesport, Betfred and James Allan Racing were unavailable for comment.
Council chiefs said they would not ease up on their crackdown on underage gambling.
Coun Callow added: "This is another vital part of the campaign to clean up Blackpool and bring about a change in the way of thinking.
"We are not killjoys, but we must protect vulnerable people, particularly young people, and be vigilant."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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