Casino industry seeks looser gambling rules

Ministers are being urged to ease restrictions on gambling as part of moves to boost the struggling economy.

The National Casino Industry Forum (NCIF) is calling for more flexibility about where casinos can operate, the number of gaming machines they can use and stake limits.

Casinos should also be allowed to offer internet-style virtual card and roulette games alongside traditional tables.

Any such changes would be highly controversial, amid concerns about levels of gambling addiction and debt in the UK.

But the body has estimated that they would generate 11,000 full-time jobs in casinos and their supply chains. There could also be an extra £80 million in tax revenues.

NCIF chairman Malcolm Moss, who is giving evidence to an inquiry by the Commons culture select committee tomorrow, said the industry wanted “sensible modest reforms”.

“We do not want a free-for-all,” he said.