Jowell plans new retreat over the Gambling Bill

Tessa Jowell is planning another major retreat over the Gambling Bill by agreeing a further cap on the number of casinos in Britain. The Culture Secretary, who was accused of being "weak" by David Blunkett this week, has already agreed to limit the number of Las Vegas-style "super casinos" to eight.

But in a further concession, the Bill will be amended to cap the number of large and small casinos by

the same amount. The original legislation would have allowed an unlimited number of large casinos - those categorised as 1,500 square metres with 150 slot machines - and small casinos - those below 750 square metres with a maximum of 80 slots.

Ministers claim the cap on the smaller outlets was always envisaged once it was agreed to limit the number of "super casinos". It follows concerns that curtailing the top end would have produced an explosion of minicasinos on the high street. The opposition parties accused the Government of another "massive retreat".

The Bill has already been watered down following criticisms from Church groups, charities and MPs that it would lead to an explosion in the number of gambling addicts.