Bishop's doubts over casino plans

The bishop is urging "caution and reflection"

A Church of England bishop has expressed doubts about plans to build a "super casino" in his diocese.

Jack Nicholls, the Bishop of Sheffield, said the aim of casino operators is to make profits by increasing gambling.

"It is possible casinos could drain money out of Sheffield rather than bringing it in," he added.

Detailed plans, both backed by US companies, have been submitted to build gambling and leisure complexes at Bramall Lane and Meadowhall.

Other possible sites are at the Don Valley and Owlerton stadiums

Gambling addiction

Bishop Nicholls, who said he was speaking on behalf of all the mainstream churches in Sheffield, also raised the problem of gambling addiction.

"Our main concern is about the most vulnerable, those with addictive personalities. A super casino will increase addictive gambling.

"Addictive gambling inflicts terrible pain not only on the gambler but on their family and those around them."

The bishop said a decision on a casino is one that affects the whole future of Sheffield and needs a "thorough debate by the wider community."