Should 17 regional casinos be allowed?

[AB Asks]

Companies are waiting on a High Court Judgement on the proposed series of 17 regional casinos across Britain. These would include opening the first super-casino in Manchester. Peers have previously rejected the plans but the government is still determined to get the bill through. If it fails then lost profits could be as much as �120m a year. Should the casinos be set up? Do you think that the government is right to be promoting casinos?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6739725.stm

[spudqueen]

It's only a few more casinos - there are plenty of them around already.

[reachesme]

The government promoting casinos is almost evil if you ask me.
It's all for the tax, that is obvious, but i feel it shows the connection with this government and the mob, cus thats who are going to run these places. After the connection with the National lottery and the American mafia was brushed under the carpets, then cash for honours, it seems this government is untouchable, so it's going to happen anyway. It's time we had a revolution.

[beryllium]

More places to launder money? of course they'll open!!!

[Lonnie]

The only reason for these abominations, is the tax they'll rake in, regardless of the lives that will be ruined.

[ruby27]

Personally as I do not find gambling a great excitement I don't see why people shouldn't' t have the widest choice to waste their money on
non essential items:-
gambling, lottery, Internet provider, jewellery , holidays abroad, fine wines, meals at michelin restaurants, expensive sound systems, nicotine, recreational drugs, houtre couture and what ever you choose to blow money that isn't really a need only a want.
Also before I am shot down, yes I have personal experience of the problems of gambling - seen a relative put their family in serious debt but they didn't need a casino to bet in, they managed this with club machines and the internet. In fact the relative was very restrained in Monaco where he realised he was way out of his league

[andy-hughes]

I fail to understand the government's urge to foist casinos on a nation which does not appear to especially wantr them.

If the government were to fund art galleries or museums in a similarly aggressive manner there would be an outcry, so why does it insist on encouraging a gambling culture which must - in enough cases to cause concern - add to the anti-social behaviour and crime that the government trumpets about caring about, but refuses to addrss in anhy meaningful way.

Gambling is a vice - so is prostitution - what next - government funded brothels? An option I would reankly prefer with the health and safefy issues surroudning sex workers. Why not start there Ms. Blears?