The UK\’s Government is reluctant to give up the Gambling Bill, not only because of the acknowledged need for modernising legislation, but also because of the amount of time and effort already invested in it.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell reached an agreement with Tory spokesman John Whittingdale to ensure the Gambling Bill clears Parliament before it dissolves early next week.
Ms Jowell accepted the reduction in the number of casinos allowing only one regional “super casino,” instead of the eight previously planned by ministers.
“The Government has accepted our proposal and on this basis we are willing to allow the Bill to complete its passage. We have always made clear that there is much in the Gambling Bill we support. In particular, the establishment of a Gambling Commission and the regulation of remote gambling are necessary and uncontentious,” said John Whittingdale.
The Bill will contain a provision allowing a future government to raise the number of regional casinos back up to eight, if there is an affirmative vote in both Houses of Parliament.
The Bill will also establish a new powerful Gambling Commission, which will for the first time regulate new forms of gambling such as internet betting.
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