LAS VEGAS ALREADY HERE

Angus MP Mike weir has reiterated his concern  about the spread and effect of online gambling in the wake of the announcement of the licence for a super casino in Manchester and various local casino licences.

Commenting after the announcement in the Commons, Mr Weir said:

“Tessa Jowell claimed that Las Vegas is not coming to the UK, but the fact is that it is already here.  Gambling on the internet brings Las Vegas into every living room in the country.  The spread and ease of use of online gambling is far more dangerous than the establishment of a super casino in Manchester.

Mr Weir has previously called for curbs on the amount that can be gambled online.

“The government make much of the actions to prevent excessive gambling in the new super casino but the existing rules do not adequately protect those who are using online gambling sites.

“Gambling is an addiction as bad as drug or alcohol yet the government are burying their heads in the sand over the problem.  It would appear that the projected revenue from casinos is more important to them than the social problems that increased gambling will bring.”