THE growing number of bookies in Bournemouth could lead to an increase in crime and higher levels of gambling addiction, councillors have warned.

Cllr David Smith, ward member for central Bournemouth, said he is concerned by the ‘proliferation of betting shops’ in the borough which often house gambling machines known as fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

The machines allow punters to place bets of up to £100 each spin on casino style-games like roulette and bookies are permitted to have up to four inside their premises.

During a full town council meeting, Cllr Smith said FOBTs, which make ‘phenomenal’ profits for the bookmakers, are highly addictive and warned the lure towards them could lead to an increase in crime and addiction in poorer communities, as well as anti-social behaviour.

He urged the council to support Newham council’s campaign calling on the government to reduce the amount of money customers can gamble on FOTBs.

The London borough is calling for the government to reduce the maximum bet on FOBTs from the current £100 limit to just £2.

Bournemouth councillors overwhelmingly voted in favour of Cllr Smith’s motion and agreed to back the campaign.

Cllr Bob Chapman, ward member for central Bournemouth, who seconded the motion, said there are now 10 betting shops in the immediate town centre.

He said the bookmakers are taking money from the ‘most needy who probably can’t afford it’.

He added: “A reduced limit on these machines we hope will go some way to reduce the problem.”

Throwing his support behind the motion, Cllr Dennis Gritt, ward member for Kinson North, added: “It’s nice to see all parties are united in this move.”

However, the motion wasn’t supported by all councillors.

Cllr Sue Levell, ward member for Redhill and Northbourne, who said the amount people chose to gamble is ‘personal choice’.

She said: “I don’t think it is my job to say what business should be put in our town and what machines they can have.”