News story

2nd November 2004

Local People Reject "Super casinos"
 

Northavon MP Steve Webb has this week voted against Government plans for a massive expansion of new "super-casinos" offering unlimited prizes, in response to the clear concerns of local people. Under proposals contained in the Government's "Gambling Bill" it would be much easier for casino operators to set up new casinos in towns and cities across the UK. Existing rules which put a maximum limit on prizes would be scrapped, and rules which require people to have a 24 hour "cooling off period" before gambling at a casino would also be abolished.

The MP said that all of the local people who had contacted him about the issue had opposed this loosening of the rules.

Steve Webb said:

"The laws on gambling do need to be updated to reflect developments such as Internet gambling, but I am not convinced that the Government has got the balance right. This new law could permit a massive expansion of high street super-casinos which could lead to a big increase in the level of problem gambling. I have not heard from anyone who thinks that easier access to more casinos with unlimited prizes would make this a better place to live".

The Government achieved a 71 vote majority in Monday night's vote on the Bill, but it will now be considered in detail by MPs over the coming months. Because of the level of disquiet about the proposals, it is expected that the Government will be forced to make significant concessions on its current proposals.