Churches across the UK are being encouraged to let their voices be heard during the consultation process for the licensing of new casinos. As approximately 40 local authorities, this week, have heard whether they have reached the next stage of the bid for casino licences, the Evangelical Alliance UK (EAUK) is calling out for Christians to fight the liberalisation of gambling.

|TOP|The EAUK has recommended for a greater local accountability over potential casino developments, and this has been largely reflected in guidance to local authorities issued by the Gambling Commission, which is the new gambling regulator in Britain.

The Gambling Commission has proposed that licensing authorities consult about proposed casino developments with their local churches, as well as other faith groups, primary care trusts, and those dealing with problem gamblers.

Previously the licensing process only allowed comments to be submitted from those who owned premises nearby the proposed development. However, it has now been decided that the consultation process can also include those affected by the entire market catchment area of the casino.

A new Gambling Act is to be implemented in September 2007, and the Gambling Commission is now seeking to consult widely about the implementation the legislation.

|AD|Working closely with the Gambling Commission during this consultation process, the Evangelical Alliance has submitted written evidence to the Commission, as well as attending high-level Commission meetings.

Gareth Wallace, Parliamentary Officer for the Evangelical Alliance said, “This is an opportunity for churches and those who work with problem gamblers to ensure that if their local authority is short listed they ensure that they are included on the list of those who have to be consulted by casino developers.”

“The Alliance is also deeply concerned about the concurrent report from Gamcare, on the significant increase in online problem gambling. Gambling addiction is a real problem and we are working to ensure maximum safeguards are adopted for the protection of all.”

Wallace said, “It is encouraging that the Gambling Commission are listening to those who have concerns about the potential negative impact that casinos make, and is giving the right of reply to local communities and those who actually work with the consequences of problem gambling. Gambling firms have huge public relations and marketing budgets. It is right that local people who do not have any budget have their voice heard too.”

Gareth concluded, “It is important for every local church to impress upon its local authority that they should be formally consulted within the terms of the council’s licensing policy. This is not an automatic right: concerned churches and Christian groups need to take the initiative in engaging constructively with their local authorities if they want their views to be heard, especially where councils are already committed to casino development.”