News
Statement Re Casino Advisory Panel Recommendation
30 January 2007
GamCare notes today’s Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) recommendation to award the licence for a regional casino to Manchester, together with its further recommendations regarding the award of licences for a further 16 large and small casinos.
GamCare has worked closely with Manchester City Council in relation to the social impact element of their submission to CAP. Manchester City Council carried out an extensive consultation in relation to the social impact of a regional casino and has acknowledged the critical importance of public education, awareness and treatment programmes.
Assuming Parliament confirms the award of the regional casino licence to Manchester, GamCare looks forward to continuing to work with Manchester City Council and, critically, with its chosen casino operator, on the development and implementation of the Council’s social responsibility obligations under the 2005 Gambling Act (the Act).
These obligations will of course extend to all pre-existing casinos and all of the sixteen large and small casinos, recommended today, in the United Kingdom, once the Act comes into force in September. The Act prescribes obligations in respect of social responsibility for all casino operators, provisions not previously contained within the 1968 Gambling Act.
Geoffrey Godbold, Chief Executive of GamCare, added:
“Having worked with Manchester City Council over a period of time, we very much look forward to assisting the Council in the run up to their go-live date. Irrespective of the stringent obligations laid down by the 2005 Gambling Act itself, we are confident that not only will the Council and the casino operator abide by the letter of the law, but also by its spirit, the protection of children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
“GamCare is delighted that Government has seized the opportunity afforded by the Act to address the critical issue of social responsibility. No such provisions were contained within any previous gambling legislation.”
For press enquiries contact:
Nicola Crewe-Read
Director of Communications
01242 890141
07986 380577
nicola@gamcare.org.uk