Express & Star comment: Act now to protect the vulnerable
The destruction caused to society by fixed odds betting terminals has spiralled out of control in recent years.
The machines, which enable people to lose thousands of pounds in a few minutes, have become the main feature of the majority of bookmakers.
And they are ruining people's lives.
A Government review into their impact has now been concluded, with ministers proposing to cut the maximum bet from £100 down to a figure between £2 and £50.
A clampdown on online gaming and advertising is also planned.
Unsurprisingly, Labour has criticised the proposals for not going far enough, with Tom Watson calling for tougher measures, including the reduction of stakes to £2 a spin.
Labour's sudden obsession with the issue is almost certainly guilt driven in part.
After all, it was the Labour party that so gleefully relaxed this country's gambling laws in 2005 under the forever tainted premiership of Tony Blair.
The now infamous image of then Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell smiling as she leaned against a roulette wheel is not easily forgotten.
As Labour was largely responsible for fixed odds betting terminals exploding onto the high street in the first place, it feels rather shallow for the party to criticise measures aimed at quelling their destructive influence.
Gambling addiction is not an issue that any party should be looking to exploit for the purposes of political point scoring.
It is said to cost the country more than £1 billion a year, leads to the break up of relationships and families, and causes numerous social harms.
Online gambling has grown at an alarmingly rapid rate.
Anyone with a smart phone has the ability to place a bet whenever they like.
There is little doubt that stricter regulation is needed as a matter of urgency.
While the bookmaking industry has raised concerns that tougher legislation could lead to the closure of thousands of betting shops, the Government's priority must always be with the wellbeing of this country's citizens.
Mr Watson is right to say that action, rather than another consultation is required.
By their very nature, problem gamblers are not able to regulate their own behaviour.
Ministers must act now to protect the vulnerable.
