Churches encouraged to play key role as Councils consider licensing new casinos

Around 40 local authorities have heard today whether they have reached the next stage of the bid for Casino licenses.

24 May 2006

The Evangelical Alliance is encouraging churches to play their full role in the consultation process for licensing new casinos. Around 40 local authorities have heard today whether they have reached the next stage of the bid for Casino licenses.

The Evangelical Alliance’s recommendations for greater local accountability over potential casino developments have largely been reflected in guidance to local authorities issued by the Gambling Commission, the new gambling regulator.

The Commission suggests that licensing authorities consult about proposed casino developments with churches and other faith groups, primary care trusts and those who deal with problem gamblers.

Usually the licensing process allows comments only from premises in close proximity to a proposed development – but now consultation can include those affected by the entire market catchment area of a casino.

The Gambling Commission is currently consulting widely about the implementation of the new Gambling Act, which comes fully into force in September 2007. The Evangelical Alliance has been closely involved in this consultation process, submitting written evidence and attending high-level Gambling Commission meetings.

Gareth Wallace, Parliamentary Officer for the Evangelical Alliance said, “This is a golden opportunity for churches and those who work with problem gamblers to ensure that if their local authority is short listed they ensure that they are included on the list of those who have to be consulted by casino developers.”

“The Alliance is also deeply concerned about the concurrent report from Gamcare, on the significant increase in online problem gambling. Gambling addiction is a real problem and we are working to ensure maximum safeguards are adopted for the protection of all.”

“It is encouraging that the Gambling Commission are listening to those who have concerns about the potential negative impact that casinos make, and is giving the right of reply to local communities and those who actually work with the consequences of problem gambling. Gambling firms have huge public relations and marketing budgets. It is right that local people who do not have any budget have their voice heard too.”

Gareth continued “It is important for every local church to impress upon its local authority that they should be formally consulted within the terms of the council’s licensing policy. This is not an automatic right: concerned churches and Christian groups need to take the initiative in engaging constructively with their local authorities if they want their views to be heard, especially where councils are already committed to casino development.”

You can download a copy of the Evangelical Alliance guidance for churches responding to local casino applications, ‘Help, there is a casino coming’.