The British government has released its plans for an expanded casino industry.
From Politics.co.uk:
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.
This is certainly a development to folly.