Clause 77 - Credit and inducements
Gambling Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport and Tourism), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)
I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern and his reason for tabling the amendment. Operators of casino premises should certainly never offer credit, and the Bill prevents that. However, there is a significant difference between the licensee offering credit facilities and such facilities being offered by a reputable credit provider. We do not see any harm in the latter, as long as the credit provider is operating at arm's length and the licensee is not receiving any payment for that facility. It is worth noting that the practice is permitted in casinos and has been for some time. We are not aware of any problems rising from it but, if any problems emerge, the Secretary of State and the gambling commission will have specific powers to impose new requirements that better protect the consumer. I hope that, with that reassurance, the hon. Gentleman will be content and withdraw the amendment.