Limits on number of new casinos

A STRICT limit to the number of super-casinos could be introduced to defuse the row over the Gambling Bill.

The Government is poised to bow to pressure to limit the number of Las Vegas style casinos allowed in an overhaul of Britain's gaming laws.

In what would be a major climbdown, officials are said to be working on plans to limit the first wave of super-casinos to a maximum of nine - one for each region. The final number could be even smaller if rebels have their way.

The controversial Bill, which was voted through in the Commons last week despite a backbench rebellion, will today proceed to the committee stage, where it will be examined by a group of MPs.

Culture Minister Tessa Jowell is keenly aware that the new legislation could collapse at future stages unless a compromise is reached.

Rebel backbenchers want the number of casinos to be limited to as few as four in specific areas and fixed for five years. They want any change in the numbers to be approved by Parliament, rather than being rubber stamped by ministers.

More than 130 planning applications have already been submitted for super-casinos, although Jowell insists the actual number would be no more than 40.

The Conservatives will table an amendment to the law under which a small number of regional casinos would be allowed in regeneration areas as part of a pilot scheme.