BCA takes a gamble and loses

2007-06-11 17:13:24

The creation of a supercasino in Manchester and 16 smaller casinos around the country came a step closer today after the British Casino Association (BCA) lost a High Court challenge.

Mr Justice Langstaff, from the High Court, ruled against the BCA's claim that the government's gambling package could damage gambling businesses already in operation in the UK.

The BCA said that the gambling bill, which came up against opposition in the House of Lords in June, failed to provide a "level playing field" and could cost the industry up to £120 million a year in lost profits.

However, Mr Justice Langstaff ruled that the challenge failed on all points &ndash both separately and when taken together.

"No challenge can be brought against the government simply for adopting a particular policy in respect of the control of gambling, although inevitably any such policy will advantage some and disadvantage others," he stated.

Over half of all the casinos planned by the government will operate in areas that already have existing gambling premises.



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