James O'Brien's Perfect Response To People Angry At FOBT Restrictions

17 May 2018, 15:21

James O'Brien had a message for the people who are complaining of a "nanny state" after the government imposed a limit on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.

The maximum stake people can place on fixed-odds betting terminals is to be drastically cut from £100 per spin to £2, to try to reduce problem gambling.

Some people have criticised the government for interfering in people's lives. But James had the perfect question for these people.

Speaking on his LBC show, he said: "What's wrong with the idea of government doing as much as it can to help citizens be happy and healthy? While respecting the freedom of other people to fill their faces with filthy food, to watch as much pornography as they please and to spend as much of their income as they want on gambling.

James O'Brien in the LBC studio
James O'Brien in the LBC studio. Picture: LBC

"You can never stop these things from happening, but what on earth is wrong with the idea of government expending energy and resources on helping to create a happier, healthier population?

"And if the argument is 'why do all my taxes go on that?' well then, the response is simple. In the longterm, a happier, healthier population will be of much greater economic impact than an unhappy, unhealthy population.

"The obvious ways would be treating medical conditions caused by unhealthy lifestyle.

"'So why are my taxes go on telling people not to eat sweets?' Well partly because we'll save a chunk of money in the long term if we can reduce the number of people with diabetes."

'It breaks my heart that people support this attack'

Gezelle calls American and Israeli ‘help’ in Iran ‘an illusion’

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

Caller Sina

James O’Brien is unconvinced by caller Sina’s justification for Israel’s strikes on Iran

Caller Harry

Pilot Harry gives his reaction to Gatwick-bound plane crash

LBC caller tells James O’Brien how she ended up homeless as a result of the 'disastrous' mini-budget in 2022.

Liz Truss' 'disastrous' mini budget left this LBC caller homeless

LBC callers react

How successful was Greta Thunberg’s aid mission?: LBC callers react

Caller Hanisa

Hanisa explains to James O’Brien that it’s her choice alone to wear the Burqa

Caller Lisa from California responds to Donald Trump summoning the National Guard to LA over the protests.

Californian caller responds to Trump sending the National Guard to LA

James O'Brien Batman Caller

Caller Luke’s nickname for Robert Jenrick amuses James O’Brien

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

James O'Brien caller on water

Caller explains how ‘corporate finance’ has been ‘catastrophic’ for water companies

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

'Mate, I love you'

James' conversation with Barry, who had a chemical castration, takes an unexpectedly wholesome turn