GAMBLERS have attacked government plans to slash the amount people can stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) to £2.

One man, who often uses the machines in Bolton, said the move was "outrageous and not fair".

Whitehall officials say the scheme would reduce the risk of "gambling-related harm".

They claim the move will cut the risk of potentially large financial losses from the controversial machines as well as harm to both players and wider communities.

However, a number of gamblers told The Bolton News that they were set against the scheme.

One resident said, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it's outrageous and unfair.

"People should be able to spend money on whatever they want and the government shouldn't stop them."

Another angry punter said the move would not help people who used the machines from spending large amounts of money.

He added: "It's not going to change anything. All that's going to happen is people will put £2 in loads of times.

"Why are there so many bookies around if the government doesn't want people using them?"

The decision goes further than the recommendations of a review carried out by the gambling regulator earlier this year, which recommended the maximum stake for FOBTs should be set at or below £30.

Culture secretary Matt Hancock said: "When faced with the choice of halfway measures or doing everything we can to protect vulnerable people, we have chosen to take a stand.

"These machines are a social blight and prey on some of the most vulnerable in society, and we are determined to put a stop to it and build a fairer society for all."

The decision is set to please campaigners but will come as a blow to bookmakers, which have warned it would cost betting shop jobs across the country.