UK retail bookmakers’ fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBT) have received a stay of execution following the Prime Minister’s surprise call for a snap election.

Earlier this year, the UK Department for Culture, Media & Sport promised a “late spring” reveal of the contents of its triennial review of the nation’s gambling industry, which focused on whether or not to reduce FOBT maximum stakes from £100 to just £2, as well as mulling further restrictions on gambling advertising on television.

But Monday’s surprise call by PM Theresa May (pictured) for a fresh general election on June 8 means the gambling review will likely be delayed, possibly as far off as late autumn. UK election rules prevent sitting governments from making announcements regarding significant policy changes so as not to unduly influence voters, and the so-called ‘purdah’ period will start this weekend.

Even when the review is released, the actual implementation of its findings could take a year or more, offering bookmakers an even larger window of time in which to enjoy their current revenue mix.