Ministers to kill off cuddly gambling bears

The enormous teddies given as prizes in gambling arcades are facing extinction after being labelled too much of a temptation.

Ministers fear the huge cuddly toys are so appealing they could lure youngsters into a lifetime of gambling. They say the furry animals must be downsized to reduce the risk. But the plans have been ridiculed by opposition politicians, who are accusing the government of running a nanny state.

The threat to ban the big bears comes in the controversial new Gambling Bill. Ministers are under intense pressure to show that the legislation, which paves the way for Las Vegas-style super casinos, will not fuel gambling addiction and organised crime.

Under the new plans, they want to introduce tougher regulations on seaside arcade machines.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport argues that young people should still be allowed to play at the arcades but believes the prizes should not be too big. A spokesman said: "The Government believes that children should be able to play these machines but the stakes and prizes should discourage them playing too much."