Questions on betting 'gifts'

Labour is facing questions over whether its gambling shake-up was influenced by donations from the betting industry.

The party received gifts from gaming tycoons and companies while the new laws were being discussed.

Duncan Bannatyne, who made £90 million from care homes, has given at least £26,000. His gifts began when he was launching Bannatyne's Casinos. He gave £6,000 to Labour shortly before the White Paper on reforms. That was followed by £10,000 gifts in 2002 and last year. He has denied discussing the shake-up with the party.

Peter Coates, owner of Provincial Racing, which runs a chain of betting shops in the Midlands, is another donor. A director of internet bookmakers bet365, he made a cash contribution to Labour in 1997. Labour denied that he gave £100,000 two years later.

A company controlled by Mr Coates, Lindley Catering Investments, also gave £25,000 in 1998, 2000, and 2001.

Another company with gaming interests, Citigrove Leisure, has been a regular Labour donor. The Conservatives were given ?5 million from spread-betting magnate Stuart Wheeler.