Almost all academics who research into gambling would agree that fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) are one of the most addictive types of gambling ("Scandal of the high street roulette losers", 20 February).

A report by the Henley Centre for the gaming industry concluded that FOBTs caused little problem. However, that report also said that very few of the punters they surveyed played FOBTs. Given the huge profits betting shops make from FOBTs alone, it suggests that there are a small number of very excessive users. Furthermore, figures from the GameCare national helpline show that the fastest growing problem over the last year were those gambling on FOBTs. Research into FOBTs funded by those who don't have a vested interest would be most opportune.

Professor Mark Griffiths

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham

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