Tuesday, June 20, 2006

As reported by the Herald: "One of the UK's leading experts on gambling yesterday called for the government's advisory panel to allow 11 supercasino licences. "Professor Peter Collins, an eminent academic, criticised the current policy which allows just one regional casino in the UK. "The government's advisory panel will shortly decide the location of the sole regional or resort casino. Glasgow is widely regarded as a front runner in the selection process. "Professor Collins, director of Salford University's centre for the study of gambling and commercial gaming, made the remarks during a pioneering conference on responsible gambling. "…Professor Collins said: "' do not know of anyone who thinks that one licence is the right amount. There is no cogent argument which justifies having just one licence. "'Having 11 regional casinos, which would mean one per region, would be better. I don't think that Glasgow would get the licence if they stick with just one. The market could stand as many as two per region but the evidence indicates that this would have a detrimental effect on the existing industry and places such as betting shops and bingo halls.'…"