Betting shake-up could bring Las Vegas to Blackpool

Gambling support groups tonight blasted plans for a shake-up of the betting industry that could see casino ‘‘resorts’’ spring up across Britain.

Former Treasury adviser Sir Alan Budd’s Government-commissioned report into gaming laws, published today, is the first major review in 30 years.

It calls for a wide-ranging relaxation of rules which would permit all-night betting with alcohol and live entertainment

Blackpool is already planning to turn itself into the Las Vegas of the North with up to six casino hotels along its Golden Mile.

But the review also called for controls to curb betting by under-18s and ‘‘vulnerable’’ people.

Launching the report at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in Central London, Sir Alan said: ‘‘We are proposing a balanced package of reforms which simplify regulation, provide increased choice for adults in a more competitive market, reduce opportunities for gambling by young people, provide more consistent and, in some cases, tighter controls on those who provide gambling and seek to ensure that those who provide gambling do so in a socially responsible way.’’

Sir Alan admitted the plans could lead to an increase in gambling addiction but added: ‘‘We spent a great deal of time thinking about it but we hope that our proposals will minimise the risk of an increase in problem gambling.’’

However Gamblers Anonymous spokesman ‘‘Patrick’’, a former gambling addict, said: ‘‘This would definitely increase our membership over the next five years.

‘‘Compulsive gambling is recognised as a mental disorder and between 2% and 3% of people have the potential to develop gambling problems.

‘‘The more you expose people to gambling the more likely they are to realise their tendency for that disorder.’’

The review proposes to do away with the existing rule which requires punters to apply for membership of casinos and bingo halls 24 hours before they can enter the premises.

Casinos would be able to offer customers alcohol and live entertainment while they play - much like those in Las Vegas and Atlantic City - and unlimited slot machine jackpots.

Operators would be able to open wherever they want, subject to licensing by local councils and minimum size limitations, and will no longer have to prove there is a demand.

But the proposals include limiting the stake and maximum prize for machines available to under-18s to 10p and £5 respectively, while fruit machines should be banned on unlicensed premises such as cafes.

Children should not be permitted to play on full-stake slot machines wherever they are located, the review suggested.

It also recommended the setting up of a Gambling Commission to regulate all gambling activities.

Other proposals include allowing UK operators to run Internet gambling sites, letting casinos advertise, and permitting bingo halls to offer unlimited prizes and rollovers.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell welcomed the report, saying the laws were ‘‘badly in need of reform’’.

National Lottery operator Camelot said a review of the law was ‘‘long overdue’’, but warned that the money it raises for good causes could suffer if the law becomes too liberal.

Rachel Lampard of the Methodist Church said those most at risk from gambling must be protected by the Government and the industry.

‘‘We have reservations about some of the freedoms that casinos will gain. Relaxation of the 24 hour rule might encourage impulse gambling. And allowing alcohol on the floor of casinos doesn’t help you make wise decisions.’’

John Kelly, chief executive of Gala Leisure Ltd, which runs 169 bingo halls and 26 casinos in the UK, said: ‘‘We do welcome the recommendations almost on a wholesale basis. They are absolutely what we have been looking for and waiting for.’’

Blackpool is planning a £1bn regeneration, and proposals have already been drawn up for the first of the casino hotels, a 1,000-bedroom giant with the working title of Pharaoh’s Palace.

Following the announcement Alan Cavill, manager of the Blackpool Challenge Partnership, said he was ‘‘delighted’’ and hoped the Government would implement the recommendations as soon as possible.