The UK is set to begin plans for 16 large casinos throughout the country. Gerry Sutcliffe, UK Sports Minister should announce the plans in parliament soon. This comes after all the controversy over the possible construction of a super casino near Manchester, a casino plan which was thwarted by new Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Now we know why he did that.

There has been much opposition to the addition of casinos in the UK, mainly led by church leaders in the House of Lords, Britain’s upper chamber. They feel the smaller casinos don’t pose as much of a threat to problem gamers and society as a whole. What they will do is bring in needed revenue to improve deprived neighbourhoods throughout the country. They will only be permitted to be open 18 hours a day. They cannot serve free drinks and players won’t be able to use credit cards.