Protect Londoners from casino pitfalls (Dee Doocey)

Protect Londoners from casino pitfalls

November 17, 2005 12:00 AM

New super-casinos in London must provide benefits for communities without the downsides of noise, problem gambling and crime, a London Assembly report1 says today.

The new casinos proposed by the Government could regenerate run-down areas, boost London's appeal as a tourist destination and create new jobs in the leisure industry. But the Assembly's Economic Development Committee, which carried out the investigation2, wants assurances from developers that problems linked to casinos would be avoided and properly dealt with if incidents occurred.

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the Committee, said: "We cannot afford to be complacent. Fears about casinos' detrimental effects to local communities must be properly addressed. Super-casinos could change the social and economic fabric of the capital."

The Committee says super-casinos are only acceptable in London if they meet rigorous criteria, which includes:

The Mayor revising his blueprint for London to consider regional casinos

Regeneration and employment opportunities

Good public transport links to gambling venues and the ability to cope with car journeys

Being located away from residential areas and high street shops

Being situated in separate leisure/entertainment destinations

Minimising opportunist gambling

The report highlights the locations of the seven proposed sites for regional casinos in London: Ferry Lane - Rainham; The Dome; Wembley; Olympia Exhibition Centre; White City Shopping Centre; West Ham Sands and Stratford.

London boroughs should have the final say over whether a casino is built in their area. Casino developers must clearly state their regeneration commitments in planning applications. As a minimum, these commitments should include the use of local suppliers, and outline employment opportunities and training for local people.

However, the Committee does not believe casinos should be located near housing, and does not want to see the venues as part of mixed-use town centre developments containing residential areas.

A number of groups raised concerns about new casinos encouraging problem gambling. According a report last year, £2,158 million was gambled in London, which is more than half the national total. The 2005 Gambling Act has created a Gambling Commission to enforce stronger regulation. But the Act removed the requirement for a 24-hour 'cooling off' period between joining a casino and playing, which could make it easier to gamble on a whim.

London's Mayor will submit proposals to the Government for areas suitable for regional/super casinos. The choice of location could be controversial. Public debate and democratic accountability in this process are essential. The Committee wants the Mayor to first consult the London Assembly before making any submission for a new regional casino.

The Government must also be clear how much investment from casinos will be used for regeneration. London has a mixed record of major infrastructure developments that benefit local people. Casino operators expect to make a gross profit of some 30% but a high degree of local people gambling could undermine any regeneration benefits.

Dee Doocey added, "There are many practical implications. Londoners must enjoy the benefits and not suffer any disadvantages if the capital is to be home to more gambling venues."