Memorandum from Cambos Enterprises Limited
(DGB 29)
Broadly we welcome the new proposals to reform
the Gaming Laws, while ensuring the public are safeguarded. We
also welcome the formation of The Gambling Commission, but also
feel the National Lottery should be part of their remit.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
We do believe guidance given to Local Authorities
should be binding. We have suffered at the hands of "Maverick"
Councils and have great respect for the current Magistrates Court
system. Any room for inconsistency will give some mischievous
councillors great satisfaction.
BINGO IN
CASINOS
We simply do not understand why the ability
to attract "soft" gaming customers to Casinos is being
considered and likely to occur. This move on its own could lead
to problem gambling. Customers will be encouraged to "trade
up". Extra revenue through the tables and slot machines will
be used to provide Bingo as a loss leader, thus emptying traditional
clubs, forcing closure and a substantial loss of local facilities,
on which, many customers depend as a lifeline.
We would not lose our business as a result of
this, we would be forced to become Casino Operators. Although
this may be the best financial move we ever made, we still firmly
believe the business should be kept separate. Bingo for high volume,
low price games (for which relaxation on such as rollovers will
be very helpful), while Casinos should be for those that choose
hard gaming.
INTERNATIONAL GAMES
We sincerely hope that the National Bingo Game
Association have raised the possibility of International Games
under the watchful eye of the UK Gambling Commission and that
this will be included in their proposals—again high volume,
low stakes, creating very attractive Prize Money.
NUMBERS OF
SLOT MACHINES
PER GAMING
TABLE
In the event that we are driven to Casino Operation,
we do believe the original Gambling Review Ratio of eight machines
per table, to be fairer. The Government could then monitor levels
and adjust if appropriate. It would also provide a good balance
of facilities.
These points are a brief summary of our views,
however, we wholly support the Bingo Association submission.
December 2003
| 
