Mr. Kevin Murphy:

Fixed odds betting terminals are simply slot machines, with 90% of the activity on the terminals effectively roulette. They are controlled by random number generator devices, so again the result is known before the event finishes. The UK Government was convinced to legislate for them approximately ten years ago and permit their use in betting shops. It was acknowledged by spokespersons for the Government of the day that this was the wrong decision. The fixed odds betting terminals are acknowledged by many betting observers to be highly addictive, although the betting industry has argued there is no evidence for this and has challenged unresourced voices of concern to produce evidence-based research in this respect. We argue that the substantially resourced betting industry should provide the evidence-based research that these terminals are not addictive and harmful to individuals in society.

Based on the audited accounts published by the private limited company bookmakers in the United Kingdom with regard to operations in that district, and not converting the figures from sterling to euro, we estimate that if the terminals were legislated for in Ireland and permitted in betting shops, they would take €150 million in profits out of the Irish economy. The majority of this profit would be taken from the social welfare-funded pockets of the poor and vulnerable in society.