William Hill Warns Prime Minister Over FOBTs Rule Change William Hill warns prime minister over FOBTs guideline modification 15 May 2018 ByDominic O'Connell Today Programme Business Correspondent The chairman of bookie William Hill has cautioned the prime minister his firm risks being bought by a foreign rival if it is compromised by brand-new betting guidelines. In a letter to Theresa May, Roger Devlin stated changes to the quantity that can be banked on High Street betting devices might strike tasks and profits. The federal government is expected to reveal imminently a last choice on its evaluation fixed-odds betting terminals. He proposed harder rules on adverts and a levy to assist issue bettors. Currently, fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) enable gamers to stake approximately ₤ 100 every 20 seconds. A review's interim findings recommended cutting the optimal stakes to ₤ 30, but there have actually been reports that the quantity could be cut to just ₤ 2. Anti-gambling advocates, who have actually called the fixed-odds makers the "fracture cocaine" of gambling, support the move. Bookies, however, have actually warned that such a cut would result in the closure of countless outlets, a big reduction in tax paid to the Treasury, and would have ripple effects on the horse racing industry. 'Catastrophic' Bookmakers support horse racing through a market levy and offering cash prize. Mr Devlin's letter, initially reported by Sky News and seen by the BBC, stated UK gambling was "exceptionally well controlled". He wrote: "Sadly, I fear that your federal government will make a decision that is unnecessary and lacking in proof - a decision that will also be catastrophic for a retail betting market employing over 40,000 individuals." "Consolidation within our sector continues and I would also not wish to see the effect of an out of proportion ...