Casino News

Report: Supercasino wouldn't lead to problem gambling

2007-09-13 14:58:43

There is little evidence that a supercasino in east Manchester would lead to a rise in problem gambling in the area, according to a new report.

A study by Paul Bellringer, founder of charity GamCare and Professor Mark Griffiths from Nottingham Trent University has found that problem gambling is more likely to be caused by the internet, which is akin to the "Wild West".

The report was commissioned by Manchester City Council as it attempts to rescue the supercasino after Gordon Brown appeared to go cold on the idea of a Las Vegas-style venue in Britain.

Mr Bellringer told the Manchester Evening News: "It is not so much that the government is looking the wrong way, but they are creating a storm in a teacup by focusing on this one casino.

"It is a casino which would have a searchlight thrown on it by the government and media."

Earlier this year, the Casino Advisory Panel recommended that Manchester be granted a licence to build the supercasino, despite Blackpool and Greenwich being the favourites.

However, protestations in Blackpool contributed to the House of Lords' decision to overturn the government's plans.