Watered-down casino plans published
The Government has published its plans for deciding on the location and licensing regime for the new casinos proposed under the Gambling Bill.
Though the bill passed through the Commons on its first reading and into committee stage, the Government faced concerns from all sides of the House on details of the bill. While elements of the bill tighten up the regulation of gambling – for example removing fruit machines from places like take-aways where children are present – there was deep concern about the so-called “super casinos”.
Opponents feared that the introduction of unlimited jackpots could fuel a rise in problem gambling and large scale casinos could also damage the local areas, rather than regenerate them.
The Government has apparently listened to some of these concerns and today announced that it would be setting a limit of eight on the number of casinos in each category – regional, small and large – that can be built in the first phase.
In addition, no new casinos will be allowed unless “the Gambling Commission advises on whether their introduction has led to an increase in problem gambling and Parliament votes to allow an increase. This assessment will take place no sooner than three years after the award of the first premises licence for these casinos”.
The location of the casinos will also be subject to the recommendations of an independent panel, which will take into account the needs of the area and ensure a geographic spread.
Explaining today’s move, Minister for Sport and Tourism Richard Caborn said: “The overarching priority of this Bill is to protect children and vulnerable people. That’s why we’ve adopted a cautious approach throughout, listening to the people’s concerns and responding to them.
“Limiting the number of Regional casinos to eight in the first phase is a cautious move that will allow us to test the impact of a new kind of casino on the levels of problem gambling. We also believe its right to apply this same level of caution to Small and Large casinos.
“We’ve always said the risk of an uncontrolled proliferation of smaller casinos on every High Street poses the greatest risk to our low levels of problem gambling. With Regional casinos limited to eight it’s possible we could see more than 100 new casinos.
“This has made us look again at the potential risks posed by Small and Large casinos and we now believe it’s right to set an initial limit on the numbers of eight each.
“Like Regional casinos if, after careful assessment, we decide it is safe to allow more, it will be for Parliament to approve it.”
Conservative spokesman John Whittingdale branded the announcement a “humiliating retreat for the Government.”
He added: “Instead of the initial intention of the Gambling Bill, to liberalise the rules governing gambling, the Bill now imposes a more restrictive regime than exists at present.
“There has been no consultation or scrutiny of the Government’s position to impose a cap of eight new large casinos or new small casinos, nor where those casinos will be. The whole process has been a complete shambles.”
