Do we need a betting cap for gaming machines to help gambling addicts?

London's Newham Council propelled forward the campaign last November under law allowing authorities to press for alterations in laws that encourage the sustainability of local communities. However, the suggestion to reduce the maximum stake to £2 was vetoed by MPs last month.

The Department for Communities and Local Government maintained that it had previously taken enough steps counting bringing in rules to force risk-takers to ask for authorisation from staff to bet more than £50.

The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), whose associates include William Hill, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, applauded the Government's choice stating that enough industry modifications had already been made. An ABB spokesperson said: "We wanted the decision and we have been working closely with the Government and the Gambling Commission on a series of accountable gambling initiatives.

"In terms of gaming machines, under the ABB Code for Responsible Gambling, all participants must now pick whether to set a limit or not on the quantity of time they play for, or what they expend.

"The data confirms that 125,000 gamblers are setting a limit and sticking to it. Together with that, the Government altered the law so you can only stake up to £50 on a gaming machine. If you wish to bet a sum higher than that, then you need to ask the staff or have an account.

"The gaming machines on their own now have much more noticeable responsible gambling memos and as a business we have hosted two Gamble Aware Weeks this year, during which all clients were urged to set the limits.

"We already work positively with the Local Government Association (LGA), who speak for over 400 councils to speak about issues of concern and come up with solutions."