A FURNESS-based councillor has said a recommendation to cap the amount people can wager on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) does not go far enough.

A review into the machines by the Gambling Commission has found stakes should be a capped at £30 or lower.

Currently, gamblers can spend up to £100 a play.

Campaigners say that is still far too high and puts people at risk of becoming addicted, while Cumbria Counselling Group member Amanda O'Brien, from Ulverston, has said more pressure on the government could lead to a lower limit.

"The Gambling Commission is attempting a delicate balancing act of damage control: to put in preventative measures and duty of care towards gamblers and their families; to keep taxes coming into the exchequer; to keep the gambling industry viable; to offset the impact on the mental health services etc," said Mrs O'Brien.

"If we look at the tobacco industry, in the end, the Government puts people’s health first despite the impact on the tobacco companies and public houses, so I believe it’s possible, with enough pressure by the campaigners, for a £2 stake on FOBTs to happen along with further steps towards duty of care.

"If our government models responsibility and safeguarding then our citizens are more likely to act responsibly and safely."