07/08/2003

Government publishes proposals for casino regulation

The government has published proposals today which will form part of the new framework for gambling regulation to be set out in the Gambling Bill.

The Minister with responsibility for Gambling, Lord McIntosh and Planning Minister Keith Hill set out the plans for the UK's casinos in a "position statement".

In the statement they look to people to give their views on the proposals ahead of the draft Gambling Bill undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny in the autumn.

The plan includes proposals for a minimum table gaming area of 5000sq ft for casinos in a bid to head off the possible proliferation of smaller high street casinos.

A similar approach has been taken with the number of jackpot machines casinos will be allowed to operate, with a limit of three per gaming table in casinos that have up to 40 tables and are under 10,000ft in size.

Lord McIntosh said: "The licensing regime for casinos must strike a clear balance between bringing gambling further into the mainstream leisure industry and ensuring fairness to participants and the protection of children and the vulnerable.

"Our proposals for the minimum size of casinos and numbers of gaming machines will not however affect any plans to open up resort-style casinos - it is just important that they are not situated on every street corner."

Keith Hill said that properly regulated casinos could make a "significant contribution" to the local economy – especially in areas that depend on tourism and need regeneration.

(GMcG)

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