Strict controls on super-casinos needed to safeguard communities

4.27.39pm GMT Tue 1st Mar 2005

Super-casinos must be properly regulated to avoid increasing the risk of problem gambling in the capital, the London Assembly was told today.

At a meeting to investigate Government proposals for legislation which would make it possible to build Las Vegas style casinos in the capital, the Assembly heard that such gambling venues should not be too easy to reach and the location of any new casino must be carefully considered.

The Assembly's Economic Development and Planning Committee is examining the impact on Londoners of the proposed new law to relax the rules on the number, sizes and locations of casinos in the capital.

The Committee grilled developers and casino operators from the Millennium Dome, Wembley and Rainham, who are putting together plans for leisure complexes in these areas, to include super-casinos. These plans could help regenerate communities by creating jobs, boosting businesses and the tourism industry. However, concerns were raised at the meeting that building large casinos on Londoners' doorsteps could have an adverse effect with the increased noise and pollution levels generated from attracting more people to the area.

Under the present regulations, casinos are only permitted in Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea. There are 24 of the UK's 126 casinos already in operation in these areas, which employ around 3,000 people.

Assurances were sought from the developers that crime associated with casinos, such as drugs, prostitution and money laundering could be avoided or properly dealt with. Also, a substantial amount of the profits gained from the casinos should be ploughed back into communities nearby. New jobs created in these areas must not just be low paid and workers must have appropriate training.

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the Committee, said: "It is clear from the evidence we heard today that if these large gambling venues are permitted, fears about their detrimental effect to local communities must be properly addressed. Building super-casinos would completely change the social and economic fabric of the capital and there could be serious consequences for Londoners if they are not adequately managed."