Betting, Gaming and Lotteries

Yes. I have had a discussion with my hon. Friend about precisely this point. Having carefully studied the Merits Committee’s conclusions, I have to say that I do not agree with them on this point. She will know that the overriding objective of the Gambling Act, which has within it the provision for the 17 new casino licences, is public protection, which involves keeping gambling crime free and ensuring that gambling is fair. In interrogating all the applicant local authorities, Professor Crow sought to ensure that each could conduct a test of social impact.