Clause 157 - Resolution not to issue casino licences
Gambling Bill
3:45 pm
Mr Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport and Tourism), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)
I understand why the hon. Gentleman tabled the amendments, but they are not necessary to achieve his objectives. Most gambling premises already have their place on the high street—for example, betting offices, bingo clubs and machine arcades. Those establishments have not been restricted from applying for licences to operate in premises throughout Great Britain. Instead, the regulatory systems under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 and the Gaming Act 1968 have controlled the location of those gambling premises through licensing and permits. The Bill is designed to continue that practice through appropriate licensing by local authorities and licensing boards. With the addition of planning laws, we are confident that gambling premises will be controlled satisfactorily by the licensing provisions in the Bill.
Casinos, however, have been treated differently from other gambling premises over the past 40 years. They have been restricted to 53 permitted areas and have had a number of limitations placed on them, which has restricted their development. Since the expansion of the casino industry is a new departure for Great Britain, and having taken account of the concerns expressed in the scrutiny Committee process, we concluded that it would be prudent to include the resolution-making power in clause 157. That will give licensing authorities an additional tool to control casino development in their area.