Casino not on cards as report highlights crime fears

CASINOS should NOT be allowed to open in Slough because of concerns that they may be linked to money laudering and prostitution.

That is the view of Chief Inspector Pete Davies of Thames Valley Police.

He was asked to contribute to a public consultation investigating the social and economic impact of allowing licensed gambling venues to open in Slough.

The consultation formed part of a review carried out by Slough Borough Council in response to the new Gambling Act, which hands responsibility for the licensing of casinos to local authorities.

The findings of the consultation, which took in the concerns of residents, community organisations, businesses and the police, were due to be presented to the councils overview and scrutiny committee at the Town Hall last night (Thursday).

The report contains witness evidence from Chief Inspector Davies who told the review team that, in general, "casinos were well run and high-ly regulated, particularly in Reading where there had been little evidence of any detrimental environmental impact".

But he expressed personal reservations about having a casino in Slough saying it would not be helpful because of the social and economic make-up of its residents.

Chief Insp Davies also expressed concern that casinos have been linked to organised crime activity such as money laundering and prostitution, despite there being little hard evidence to support this view.

The report also reveals overwhelming public unease at the idea of having a casino in the town.

In a survey of 300 individuals reflecting the ethnic balance of the borough, 68 per cent said they did not want a casino in Slough, citing reasons such such as negative impact on families torn apart by gambling additions, over-stretched policing and ethical beliefs.

The report concludes that "a small casino would have negligible economic benefits" in a town which enjoys one of the highest employment rates in the country and recommended that the council retain its 1997 position opposing licensed gambling venues.

2005-11-27