Casino News

Police endorse supercasino study

2007-09-17 14:36:03

A police chief has endorsed a report that said that a supercasino in east Manchester would not lead to a rise in problem gambling.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the study, which recommends increasing the age restrictions in the casino and launching a public awareness campaign, is to be welcomed.

The report by Paul Bellringer, founder of charity GamCare and Professor Mark Griffiths from Nottingham Trent University, also found that problem gambling is more likely to be caused by the internet.

Mr Donnellan said: "The GMP fully supports this framework and is continuing to work closely with the council and other partners on the up-and-coming development of a regional casino.

"Manchester is without a doubt a world-class city and we are working to ensure that any casino in the area will only enhance that."

He went on to say that that local police have the expertise and resources to deal with the challenges that a supercasino may bring to the city.

The supercasino report was commissioned by the city council after the prime minister appeared to go cold on the idea of a Las Vegas-style gambling venue in Britain.