|TOP|The Salvation Army in Bedford has called on locals to speak out against any prospects of a new casino being built in the town.

Bedford Council has said it will not put in a bid for a so-called Supercasino but has not ruled out the possibility of hosting a medium-sized or smaller casino.

Spokesman for Bedford Salvation Army, Adrian Prior-Sankey, warned against the dangers of the new casinos that will crop up across Britain under the new Gambling Act.

“Many of the effects of building new casinos will not be positive,” he said. “The Government is talking about regeneration, but evidence from academics suggests it will not be as clear-cut as that.

"Firstly, casinos often lead to a high increase of gambling, especially among casino employees. There may be new jobs, but are these the sort of jobs you would want your son or daughter to have?

|AD|"We have also heard that the average salary at the casinos and the restaurants and hotels linked with them will be £20,000.

"That also sounds good on paper – but most of these will be service sector jobs, will be part-time, and will be things like house-keeping and catering.

"So that average may come from a few people on very large salaries, and many more people on smaller salaries."

Even though Bedford Borough Council is only considering the smaller-sized casinos, The Salvation Army is warning that even these are not without their hazards.

"We have a long history of working with people affected by addictions, whether it is an addiction to drink, drugs or gambling,” said Mr Prior-Sankey. “A lot of people come to us when they hit rock bottom, or when their relatives hit rock bottom.”

"But gambling is the one that you can't see. It is obvious when someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but with gambling you cannot see it until it is already having an effect on their career, their jobs, their family or all three."

The Salvation Army is urging locals to be active in opposing any casinos in the area by writing to their local councillor to voice their concerns.

Bedford Borough Council has until 31st March to apply to host one of the 17 new casinos which will be allowed under the 2005 Gambling Act.