In the case of Britain’s new controversial super casino nothing, as yet, has been ‘written in stone.’ There may be eight short listed locations, but this could change if the independent Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) has a rethink. The city of Coventry for one is lobbying hard for reconsideration. When CAP makes its final recommendation to the government, it is just that – a recommendation. The anti gambling lobbies are still campaigning to get the decision allowing for one super casino licence overturned, the pro gaming lobbies are still working to get the number of super casino licences increased.

In Sheffield, one of eight shortlisted sites for hosting Britain’s first super casino with up to 1,250 unlimited jackpot gaming machines, a public meeting has been organized later this month to give local residents the opportunity to have their say. Sun International, which has long had an interest in the development of a regional casino in the Don Valley area of Sheffield, is to attend the 22 June meeting along with Sheffield Central MP and Minister for Sport Richard Caborn. The Campaign Against Super-casino Expansion (CASE) will also be present, represented by Blackpool councillor Steven Bate.

CASE, according to its website, was formed this April by Councillor Bate who has campaigned against the possible advent of a super casino in Blackpool. In ‘The CASE against’ the case of Atlantic City, a firm favourite with anti gambling lobbies, is quoted: If we take the example of Atlantic City in the US, which was opened up to Super-Casinos in the 1980s, we see that:

Local companies – shops, restaurants and hotels - are driven out of business. How can they compete with free hotel rooms, free food and free drink that are the norm in super casinos?

As with much ‘proof’ offered by the anti gambling lobbies on the iniquities of casino development, their facts frequently do not bare scrutiny. The Gambling Act 2005 will not allow casinos to offer ‘freebies’ in the UK. CASE also states:

A massive increase in gambling addiction and the wholesale economic and social destruction of already deprived communities – that’s what’s in store across the country if Super-Casinos take hold

As the United States is so often held up as an example, it could be pointed out that people in southern Mississippi and eastern Connecticut are only too eager to maintain the benefits that casino development has brought to their previously depressed economies. The state of Connecticut now hosts the two largest casinos in the world, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, together employing more than 22,000 people. The casinos brought jobs to the region at a time when defence manufacturing was declining and, as they continue to expand, are shifting the region’s economy from manufacturing to tourism.

Problem gambling is, and should be, of concern to everyone – governments, operators and citizens. There must be adequate provision for treatment, and training for early recognition of problem gambling, just as there should be for alcohol or any other behavioural disorder. However, the incidence of problem gambling – and increased crime rates – is bound to show some rise in new casino locations from the subsequent rise in population figures. As has often been pointed out, casinos do not create problem gamblers, and treating the addiction is not finding and dealing with the root cause of the disorder.

Statistics are freely used by all sides in the gambling debate, and with statistics to hand any point can be proved. Countless hours and monies have already been spent and will continue to be spent researching the thorny gambling issue from all angles. Arguments will also continue and no one can deny the right of both gambling proponents and gambling opponents to be heard. It is up to governments, local and national, to ensure that the long term social and economic impact of gambling activity in its many forms is far more beneficial than detrimental. (E-06.13.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



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