|
The Christian Socialist Movement (CSM) has joined with other religious organisations and churches in expressing concern about the granting of a licence for a regional or ‘super’ casino to be built in Manchester. CSM believes that this development, announced on Tuesday 30 January by the Casino Advisory Panel, could lead to a substantial rise in problem gambling and expose thousands of vulnerable people to the misery of debt.
Rise in crime and gambling-related debt
CSM acknowledges the potential that the casino will have to accelerate regeneration in the part of Manchester in which it is to be built, but notes that it could also have detrimental consequences for the area. While there is no evidence to show what effects regional casinos might have on communities in the UK, the USA experience suggests these could include a rise in gambling-related debt, crime, bankruptcy and associated social problems including unemployment and family breakdown. The social cost of gambling extends beyond the individual gambler and impacts upon his or her family, friends, employer and community.
Gambling Act
CSM notes with approval that the Gambling Act – under which the licence for the super casino has been granted – contains provisions to protect children and other vulnerable people and also brings UK internet gambling under regulation. It is also acknowledges that the Act allows only one regional casino at this present time in order that thorough research can be done into its impact on the local community. But CSM is also concerned that, in order to run at a profit, a super casino would need to attract between 3,000 and 5,000 new gamblers – and this at a time when there are already an estimated 370,000 ‘problem gamblers’ in the UK.
Monitoring and evaluation
CSM calls on the Government to ensure that proper monitoring and evaluation of the social and economic impact of the regional casino in Manchester is undertaken. It also calls on the Government to channel a substantial proportion of the revenue it will receive as a consequence of increased gambling opportunities into measures to help people who will experience gambling-related problems and into other community regeneration initiatives.
Call to reflect
In addition CSM calls on the Government to reflect on the proven unpopularity of these institutions and the widespread concern that has been expressed in many quarters – not just religious ones – about the harmful effects of gambling.
|
