Wednesday, January 24, 2007

A SHAKE-UP of gambling laws could increase problem gambling, the government
minister in charge of the issue has conceded. The Gambling Act, which was
passed last year, relaxes some restrictions on the industry. For the first
time, Las Vegas-style `supercasinos' will be allowed in Britain. A decision
on the site of the first is due in the next week. It is increasingly seen as
a two-horse race between the favourites - Blackpool and the Millennium Dome
in London - but Manchester is one of seven towns and cities still in the
running. Its bid includes not only a casino with 1,000 unlimited-jackpot
slot machines, but also a multi-purpose arena, hotel and swimming pool.
Critics remain unimpressed however, and claim the vulnerable will be hit
hard by the decision. Asked whether the legislation could lead to a rise in
problem gambling, Richard Caborn said: "Absolutely." But he insisted: "If
there were increases, we would be able to arrest that." But Conservative
spokesman Hugo Swire said it was a `staggering' admission that contradicted
assurances given by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. He said: "It also
completely undermines the supposed aims of their gambling legislation." He
said the Gambling Commission had approved 90 new casinos in Britain in the
last two years - equal to 10 `supercasinos'. Mr Swire said it was evidence
of a `casino con trick' by ministers, after the number of actual
supercasinos initially allowed was restricted to just one. Ms Jowell has
insisted the Act provides `the most protective legislation in the world'.
She said she would move to shut down casinos if it was shown that they were
increasing problem gambling.