<P> FOBTs have been criticised due to the potential for addiction when playing the machines . They have been dubbed the "crack cocaine" of gambling by critics . In response to this criticism, in 2014 bookmakers represented by the Association of British Bookmakers introduced the facility for customers to set time and money limits when using FOBTs . In October 2017, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport began studying the possibility of reducing the £ 100 maximum bet limit and a decision was made in May 2018 to limit the maximum bet to £ 2. This new maximum bet limit will not come into effect until 2019, with bookmakers stating they are likely to close many shops after its introduction . </P> <P> As a result of the Scottish Referendum on Independence on 18 September 2014, The Smith Commission convened, led by Lord Smith of Kelvin KT . On 27 November 2014 the Report of the Smith Commission for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament was published . Page 22 under the heading "Betting, Gaming and Lotteries" states "The Scottish Parliament will have the power to prevent the proliferation of Fixed - Odds Betting Terminals". All five main parties (SNP, Greens, Conservative, Labour, Liberal) agreed the terms of the report . Devolution of this power to the Scottish Parliament will be enacted through the UK parliament in due course . Page 11 of the report states: "The UK government has undertaken to produce draft clauses implementing"... this and..."will publish these clauses by 25th Jan 2015". </P> <P> There are over 900 FOBTs in operation in Northern Ireland, but campaign group Fairer Gambling argues that they may not be legal under Northern Irish law, as the Gambling Act 2005 only applies in England, Wales and Scotland . In 2015 the Department for Social Development said that only a judge could rule on their legality . </P> <P> A 2008 betting review in Ireland has ruled that the machines should not be introduced in Irish betting shops but will be allowed in casinos . </P>

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