Gambling law to open mega-casinos

PLANS to bring Las Vegas-style 'mega casinos' to Britain were confirmed today as the Government announced it would fast-track a new gambling Bill.

The legislation, which will overhaul current laws, will allow unprecedented deregulation of an industry once associated with crime and loose morals.

Leader of the Commons, Peter Hain, was expected to tell MPs that the long-delayed gambling Bill will be brought before Parliament in the next four weeks. The decision to accelerate it means it will have a good chance of being passed before the General Election.

Hain's announcement came as it emerged that the revolution in gaming laws could see a casino in every town and city in the country. Some 96 different sites have been identified by US corporations.

Although ministers have stressed that they will strengthen the law on teenage gaming, the Bill means that there will be no limit to the number of casinos with million pound slot machines.

Several projects are already being planned by operators such as MGM Mirage and Caesars Entertainment. Caesars, famous for Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, wants to build a mega casino next to Wembley Stadium.

At least eight casinos would be built in London. Three are planned for Guildford alone.

The moves come despite fears that gambling addiction could soar. Gambling has increased fivefold in the last three years, with about 300,000 addicts needing help.

Tim Batstone, president of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, said the reforms had not been properly thought through. He estimated that Britain will have twice as many problem gamblers by 2010 as a result of the increase in casinos.