Alcohol in casinos
447. While Budd was generally "anxious that
gambling and alcohol should not mix more than they do already",[658]
it considered restrictions preventing alcohol being taken onto
the gaming floor of casinos to be artificial, noting that alcohol
was already available a few feet away from the gaming floor.[659]
Budd therefore recommended that "the current restrictions
on alcohol on the gaming floor should be lifted."[660]
The Government has accepted this, [661]
and the current law has already been amended accordingly.
[662]
448. We have, however, received a number of criticisms
of this policy. For example, the Evangelical Alliance has commented
that it "firmly opposes the proposed relaxation of alcohol
rules and urges the complete ban on the sale of alcohol in gaming
establishments";[663]
and Stanley Leisure have stated that "the permission of people
to drink alcohol at tables and at machines is wrong and we would
like the Scrutiny Committee to change the recommendation as this
in itself can cause problem gambling".[664]
The Transport and General Workers Union explained that:
"It is accepted that alcohol may be obtained
at a bar, which is situated nearby, but because the punter has
to physically leave the gaming tables in order to drink, this
acts as a disincentive to excessive alcohol intake and may create
a break in play."[665]
449. Dr Moran has told us of the risks of mixing
alcohol and gambling:
"It has also been found that normal, social
levels of drinking alcohol alter self-control over decision-making.
This results in regular gamblers finding it more difficult to
decide at what point to stop, when losing."[666]
[and] "Alcohol impairs judgment. It clearly increases impulsivity.
Therefore, the association between gambling and alcohol is, I
think, a very hazardous one."[667]
Inter Lotto has countered this evidence, stating
that "The link between drinking and gambling is anecdotal,
as little relevant research has been undertaken, but in its 1996
Report 'Casinos and Bingo Clubs', the Home Office states 'We are
not aware of any evidence to suggest that this (alcohol) is a
factor in excessive gambling or other problems.'"[668]
450. A number of commentators have suggested that
further research should be conducted into the link between alcohol
and problem gambling. Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs has recommended
that "the effects of alcohol consumption on gambling be a
priority area for research by the Gambling Trust [and] that evidence
will result in government willingness to use "the flexibility
available in the legislation" to review and amend these provisions
if necessary."[669]
The Drug and Alcohol Foundation has urged "why not use the
change in gambling regulations as the opportunity to research
the link between gambling and alcohol usage?"[670]
451. We agree with the decision to remove restrictions
on alcohol on the gaming floor of casinos. However, in view of
the fact that serious concerns have been expressed as to the relationship
between gambling and alcohol the Committee considers it is an
aspect that needs to be monitored by the Commission and included
in its third year report.
501 
