skip to nav

Casinos in the UK

ARGUMENTS FOR:

It is not up to the 'nanny state' to, protect the population from its weaknesses. We don't ban pubs because a few people are alcoholics.

Taxes raised from gambling make a vital contribution to the national Exchequer. Unlike most taxes, these are 'voluntary' - paid only by those who choose to play.

If Britain doesn't offer gaming opportunities at home, people will simply go elsewhere. Thousands visit Las Vegas each year.

There is nothing 'wrong' with gambling. A flutter is a legitimate way of relaxing. We all put a pound or two on the Grand National.

New casinos are 'democratic'. The wealthy and aristocratic have always been able to gamble in exclusive clubs. Why not let ordinary people enjoy the same freedom?

The First Post guide to the issue of the day

ARGUMENTS AGAINST:

The proposed new casinos will inevitably promote a catastrophic surge in gaming, thus dragging into 'addiction' many further thousands of vulnerable potential addicts.

Damage done to individuals and families by gambling addiction is tragic. We are starting to understand that gambling is uniquely pernicious. Lives are ruined; everything possible should be done to discourage such a dangerous habit.

There are many outlets already (some would argue too many) for people who like to bet - from betting shops on high streets to the National Lottery and the football pools.

Gaming is morally wrong and saps ambition. When Americans think of getting rich, their minds turn to hard work. Too many Britons sit on sofas dreaming of big wins.

The average Joe is ignorant of odds. Few who buy National Lottery tickets realise that they have a greater likelihood of being murdered than of winning the jackpot.

FIRST POSTED JANUARY 30, 2007