Too big a gamble to take?

Will existing casinos be swamped by the new ones?

Las Vegas has always offered pleasure seekers the allure of bright lights, glitz and the chance to win big bucks.

And while there have been casinos in the UK, they have been on a much smaller scale, with much tougher rules on who can join them.

But a bill being discussed in the House of Commons could be about to change all that.

The Las Vegas style super casinos, could soon be popping up in the UK, but unsurprisingly not everyone thinks it's a good idea.

On Breakfast, this morning:

Today we heard from two people on opposite sides of the fence. One is a bookmaker, the other recently discovered gambling through the internet.

We discussed with Professor Peter Collins who is from the Centre for Gambling Studies at the University of Salford, and with Andrew Tottenham who represents online betting sites.

Both talked about how the technology can determine age of betting person. Both also talked about how online betting appeals to people who can now gamble in the privacy of their own homes.

We heard from Rachel Lampard of the Methodist Church and Peter Cox of the charity GamCare.

Both spoke about how the new ledgislation can protect, even though it creates greater opportunity to gamble. They also discussed how powerful the gambling commission will be in reality.

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On Breakfast, yesterday:

We saw a report by Breakfast's Sangita Myskar which features a reformed addict who was hooked on going to casinos

And we heard from Peter Dean, chairman of the Gaming Board who will head up new Gambling Commission - that's the regulatory body with new powers; and Europe's only Professor of Gambling Studies, Mark Griffiths, Nottingham Trent University

Both debated how the laws will affect the gambling commuinity. They also talked about children who may be affected by the low stake jackpot machines. They also talked about the controlling powers of the new regulator and how children will be protected.

Bill

If the new gambling bill which was published on October 19 becomes law, then there could be a massive shake-up of casinos and betting shops which will be driven by a relaxation of regulations.

A new body - The Gambling Commission - will become the new regulatory body and there could be new 'super casinos'.

But critics think that will lead to more people becoming addicted to gambling, while the face of cities and towns could change as punters head for the new casinos.

Argument

The government argues that changes to the industry are needed to safely develop it, but casino membership could be scrapped and that could allow punters to walk into a casino 'on spec'.

The Prime Minister Tony Blair defended the new proposals yesterday and denied it would lead to spiralling addiction and crime.

One of the government's ideas is to close down small arcades to prevent children having access to slot machines.

Local authorities would then be given the power to grant planning permission for bigger leisure complexes housing the new casinos.

At present, there are about 120 casinos in the UK, the new legislation could see another 20 to 40 added.

Denial

But the government has issued a denial saying it won't be levying reduced taxes to US companies who want to build casinos in the UK.

Liberal Democrat MPs said the proposals had not been properly thought through meanwhile the Conservatives said they would vote against the bill, saying it would not protect the vulnerable.

On Wednesday, Breakfast hears the stories of George Carrigill a bookmaker from Yorkshire and internet poker player Jennifer Mason

If you have any concerns about gambling, you can get more information from Gamblers Anonymous from the link to the right of this page