Jowell willing to consider changes on Gambling Bill
The Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has today signaled that she is willing to consider amendments to the Gambling Bill as it progresses through its Parliamentary stages.
Ms Jowell told BBC One’s Breakfast with Frost that she is prepared to listen to the concerns of MPs and peers.
“If, in the course of Parliamentary scrutiny, it’s absolutely clear that what people want to see, what Members of Parliament and Parliamentarians want to see is a more gradual approach, then of course we will consider that’, she said.
Her comments come on the eve of the Bill’s second reading in the Commons.
Critics fear that an influx of Las Vegas-style gaming venues could prompt a sharp rise in gambling addiction.
Ms Jowell assured she will “take very seriously constructive proposals” for improving the Bill which arrive during the course of its Parliamentary scrutiny.
“I will listen to what Parliament has to say.”
However, she defended the composition of the Bill, pointing to “tough” regulatory measures which applicants would first have to adhere to before being allowed to establish an outlet.
Ms Jowell also refused to rule out putting a cap on the number of “super-casinos” allowed.
But, she insisted that people would be given an effective veto over casino complexes in their regional localities, saying the Bill includes measures that will “control” the numbers.
“The regional planning authorities have to decide that a large casino will bring benefit to the area”, she explained.
Critics, however, reject such rationale, claiming that casinos could effectively bribe local authorities by proffering tempting offers of expensive facilities.
But the Culture Secretary pointed out that ultimately the decision hinges on “whether or not people in the area want this”.
Dispute has flared up over the issue of tax, with some suggesting casinos could generate up to £3 billion for the Treasury, whilst others say the scheme will be revenue neutral.
Attempting to clarify the disparity, Ms Jowell stated: “The whole question about the tax regime is solely and exclusively a matter for the Treasury.”
This, she said, would be “settled” once the regulatory regime is in place.
“But what is absolutely clear is that tax is not a motivator for this Bill.”
Instead, Ms Jowell insisted that underpinning the proposals rests a drive aimed at addressing the “considerable public anxiety” on the whole issue of gambling.
“These proposals have not come from nowhere”, she remarked. “This legislation which I will introduce tomorrow has been in preparation for five years.”
“It is desperately needed because almost every week new games, new forms of technology, are making gambling more available to a wider range of people including children.”
The Culture Secretary concluded by explicitly ruling out suggestions that the Bill effectively serves to promote gambling.
