Blair: Super-Casinos Aren't a Threat

Large casino complexes do not pose a threat to British society, despite concerted opposition to their establishment under the new Gambling Act, said Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"He told BBC television that he did not believe building so-called 'super casinos" would create problem gambling, adding that the newly-formed Gambling Commission would advise on the best way forward.

"…The government ran into serious difficulties when trying to get the Act through parliament. It initially forecast the construction of at least 40 Las Vegas- style casino complexes around the country.

"However, opposition from backbench Labour MPs and community groups worried about an increase in gambling addiction saw that number pruned to eight in each of the three large, medium and small categories established under the law…"
2005-04-12