Revealed: what minister told casino chiefs

A minister responsible for pushing the casinos bill through Parliament told gambling chiefs that the plans would raise extra cash for the Government.

Culture Minister Lord McIntosh told a conference organised by trade body Bacta last year the changes to gambling laws would bring in more revenue.

The revelation came amid growing disquiet among Labour MPs over the spread of mega casinos, with ministers preparing concessions to head off rebellion.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recently insisted the bill is not aimed at raising cash in gambling tax but about proper regulation.

But independent studies have shown the expansion of casinos could bring in ?400 million to the Exchequer in tax receipts.

The DCMS said Lord McIntosh could not recall the remarks to Bacta, which represents Bingo and amusement arcade operators. Bacta fears its members will lose income if there are more casinos.