Anoter interesting reason for gambling expansion: "To Protect the Children" says Blair

According to GamblingGates.Com, the recent moves in the UK to expand gambling through the establishment of large casinos as about "Better protection for children." says British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The UK Labor Party PM suggests the bill will introduce 20 to 40 new casinos to the 120 small casinos that already exist. However the new casinos will of course be of a different scale and operate very differently to the private-club style establishments that currently exist in Britain.

Blair also said:

"Whether we like it or not, we have gambling in this country, but with a series of rules and restrictions which are completely out of date."

"Ninety per cent of the gambling bill is about better regulation and protection for children, removing slot machines from about 6,000 premises where minors, children, might have access to them."

UK Government members are split on whether the bill which would allow Las Vegas-style casinos and £5 million of additional investment to the country should be passed.

The Opposition conservative party leader Michael Howard has said that his party will oppose the bill.

The UK Daily Newspaper, The Dail Mail has launced a campaign to "Kill the Casino Bill" Their website (click here) contains a range of information on this battle which is starting to get nasty.

It is interesting that for a change the mass media are becoming involved in the gambling debate so earnestly and at such an early stage compared to what has occurred in other jurisdictions around the world.

There will be lessons learned for all sides, but what is clear is that the outcome in the UK will effect gambling regulation and legislation around the world.

GG