| | |  | Last Updated: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |  | | | UK Gambling Bill Controversy Continues
- Monday, 3 Apr 2006
In the latest of controversies surrounding Britain’s plan to set up a series of land-based casinos made possible by the Gambling Act 2005, Hugo Swire, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has accused the government of undermining the limitations on the gambling establishments in Britain. Swire’s comments came after media reported that Richard Caborn, the Minister responsible for gambling, had privately told casino operators he intends to allow eight super casinos to be developed across the country.
Swire stated to media sources that the Minister intended to increase the number of super casinos, despite the government’s authorizing just one. Swire also commented that the conversations alleged to have taken place between the gambling minister and several gambling operators “makes a complete mockery of the pilot.” The pilot scheme concerning one super casino in Britain was authorized by the government last year and has caused much concern amongst anti-gambling forces fearful of increased levels of gambling addiction among the country’s population.
The latest controversy comes hot on the heels of further allegations that Tessa Jowell’s promise to crack down on gambling advertisements has come to nothing. Jowell warned gambling operators against flouting British law by outlining a series of harsh penalties for offenders last year. However, Britain’s Conservative party points out that as yet not a single gaming operator has been charged for breaching advertising standards.
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