|TOP|The Salvation Army, in conjunction with the Methodist Church, has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of gambling in the week that 27 councils launched bids to open the UK's only 'super casino'.

The churches are encouraging local groups to speak out about any proposals for casinos in their communities under the Gambling Act that was established in 2005, which allows one 'super casino', eight 'large' and eight 'small' casinos to be built somewhere in the UK.

A campaign statement said: "The Salvation Army and the Methodist Church amongst others are concerned that any increase in gambling opportunities is likely to lead to an increase in problem gambling.

"Problem gambling occurs when an individual becomes dependent upon gambling and can be classified as being addicted.

|AD|"Unlike addiction to drugs or alcohol, problem gambling can manifest without visible symptoms, and many problem gamblers either deny or hide their addiction.

"It can lead to debt, relationship breakdown, loss of employment, depression, illness and sometimes homelessness or suicide.

"According to a study carried out by the Henley Centre in 2004, there are already in the region of 370,000 problem gamblers in the UK."

The two churches have already won one battle with the Government over the number of 'super casinos' to be built, which has now been reduced to just one.

However, Sports Minister Richard Caborn said recently that 'the Government will listen to parliament, local authorities and the general public. If there is a mood change and the demand is there, we will consider it.'