MPs fear gambling bonanza

The government is set to scale back its plans to liberalise gambling law after a parliamentary committee sounded a note of caution.

The joint committee on the draft gambling bill, comprised of MPs and Lords, called for a cap on the number of large, Las Vegas style casinos that can be developed in the UK, and limits on the number of slot machines allowed on casino floors. In news that will be welcomed by the many pubs which feared increased competition, the committee has also called for restrictions on the locations where slot machines can be sited.

However, it supported proposed changes that would allow alcohol to be served at casino tables.

Committee chairman John Greenway MP said: "We do not believe that it is acceptable that casinos, once they reach a certain size, should be entitled to have as many high value slot machines as they want.

"We do not believe that fruit machines should be in fish and chip shops and taxi offices."

The committee said the current proposals are bound to lead to an increase in problem gambling, if only because the total number of people who gamble will rise.

It said that major casino developments should only be allowed in areas where the social benefits, such as increased employment and urban regeneration, will outweigh the negative impact of increased gambling.

The government is now likely to make some concessions, amending the Gambling Bill to address the committee's concerns, in order to get the bill through in the current parliamentary session.