Gloucester MP Richard Graham is supporting calls for fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) to face stricter regulations.

Mr Graham has urged government minister Tracey Crouch to consider reducing the maximum stake on a single bet from £100 to £2.

He said: "I can see no benefit to anyone from having such high stakes."

In October 2016 the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced a review of gambling machines and social responsibility measures, including looking at FOBTs.

The government has pledged to publish its findings soon in response to campaigners who want to see the maximum stake aspect, in particular, addressed.

Mr Graham said: "Local resident and taxi driver Hussain Vorajee has spoken to me both about his gambling addiction and the wider issue of the severe social impact these FOBTs can have on families.

"Fixed odds betting terminals allow people to put £100 every 20 seconds into this machine, with the average user losing £1,200 a year. Some customers don't have much money and the shops are often in poorer areas, adding to the issue.

"There are choices involved: no one is forced to gamble, but gambling can become an addiction and we should help those addicted or likely to be addicted.

"It's time to be responsible about gambling and that's why I've asked the minister to have this stake reduced."

Hussain Vorajee wrote to Mr Graham with his concerns over machines.

He said: "I'm pleased that Richard has agreed to take up this cause. Gambling addictions can ruin lives, as I know, and these machines should be better regulated."

Picture caption: Richard Graham MP at a Responsible Gambling Week reception in Parliament.