INVERCLYDE’S MSP and MP launched a twin-pronged attack on gambling addiction — as the Scottish Parliament gained powers over controversial gaming machines.

Holyrood can now legislate on the likes of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) which have been dubbed the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling, and saw a staggering £82 million staked on them in this district last year alone.

The SNP’s Stuart McMillan intends to bring the Scottish Parliament’s newly acquired power to bear, and he has already written to Nicola Sturgeon on the matter.

Mr McMillan said: “Scotland has accrued additional powers and one of these powers concerns FOBTs.

“I have campaigned on this issue for some time and as a result of my lobbying, I was successful in this issue being included in the then-Scotland Bill.

“Fixed odds terminals blight communities across our country and at the moment £100 can be blown on a 20-second spin.

“I have written to the First Minister to establish what actions the Scottish Government will be taking to reduce the proliferation of these machines in bookmakers’ facilities in our high streets.

“I appreciate that this new power is limited in scope, however I believe it can be a step in the right direction in assisting communities including my own constituency of Inverclyde.”

Meanwhile his party colleague Ronnie Cowan has signalled his intention to bring the matter of damage caused by gambling before a Westminster committee on FOBTs.

He says the UK Government must take action and provide funding to support individuals and families affected by addiction to betting.

He wants money lying in dormant betting accounts to be used to assist individuals and families whose lives have been blighted by gambling.

Mr Cowan said: “They cannot avoid or stall on their responsibility and commitment to provide the support for those hit by gambling related harm and distance their links when it comes to dealing with the gambling industry.

“I hope to continue to address the issue of gambling-related harm by raising the matter further at Westminster and at the all-party parliamentary group on FOBTs which meets at Westminster.”

As well as gaming machines, other powers being devolved to Holyrood include those on tax, welfare, air passenger duty and the licensing of onshore oil and gas extraction.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell has declared that Scotland now has ‘one of the most powerful devolved administrations in the world’.