A DORSET MP is backing new laws on fixed-odds betting terminals having raised the issue with the Government four years ago.

New rules announced on Thursday mean the maximum stake on the machines will be reduced from £100 to £2 in a bid to curb 'problem gambling'.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Michael Tomlinson said he had first raised the issue in 2014, before he was an MP, inviting then-Culture Secretary Maria Miller to Poole to discuss the problem.

This was at the behest of Tim Flower, founder and coach of the Dorset Dockers rugby team, who were worried about the use of the machines by younger members of the squad.

They hosted Ms Miller during her visit, at Hamworthy Club.

Mr Flower said: "“Having seen the devastating impact that these machines can have, causing families and individuals to lose hundreds of pounds within a fleeting visit, I decided to raise this matter with Michael.

"It is encouraging to know that this meeting will have played a part in changing the law and protecting people from these machines.

"This was the first time I had ever contacted anyone standing for parliament and I am very glad that I did."

Mr Tomlinson said: "It has been a long-running campaign and I think it will have a tremendous benefit for those people who are particularly vulnerable, as it will reduce the amount they can lose on these terminals.

"They are described as the crack cocaine of gambling, a quick fix, and quite different from those of us who like to have the occasional flutter on the 2.10."

He said he hoped the policy would not have a major impact on Government revenues. Culture Secretary Matt Hancock has said he plans to raise the Remote Gaming Duty on online casino games such as poker and blackjack in a bid to compensate.

Critics of the Government's new policy claim it will have minimal effect on problem gamblers as they will simply go to casinos or bet online, and this in turn has led to calls for greater online regulation.

Also, betting shops have warned that there could be thousands of store closures and job losses as a result of the switch.

It has been estimated that the move could cost British horse racing as much as £60 million in lost revenue annually.