Politician suggests gambling body

Deputy Farnham said a casino would just be an extra tourist facility

A new body could be set up to regulate gambling if the law in Jersey changes.

Deputy Lyndon Farnham says a Gaming Regulatory Office would ensure gambling in Jersey was done in a safe way, according to modern regulations.

Last week, members of the clergy in Jersey said they were against the building of a casino on the island.

They say it would encourage people who would not otherwise gamble to do so, and may even affect other businesses in the town.

Affecting businesses

Deputy Farnham is the politician bringing forward controversial proposals to change gambling laws in the island.

However, members of the island's clergy are against the building of a casino.

They say it will encourage more gambling and could affect other businesses in the town.

Deputy Farnham disagrees and said gambling was a personal choice for which a government should not be held responsible.

He also said any casino proposals would not be put forward as a means to encourage more people to come to Jersey, but that it would just offer tourists another facility.

However, he added that any new regulatory body would be set up to ensure gambling was run as strictly as it should be.