Minister for gambling, Lord McIntosh, has revealed framework plans aimed at preventing the spread of small, “corner shop” casinos ahead of the first draft of the gambling bill, aimed at eventual governmental deregulation of the gaming industry.

In his position statement, Lord McIntosh and planning minister Keith Hill explained that, while the government does intend to relax many of the current gaming regulations, it is also proposing that these measures will be combined with minimum floor space size laws for casinos of at least 5,000sq ft.

The reason for the minimum size restrictions is focused on preventing a proliferation of smaller casinos, which by their very nature are harder to regulate but easier for problem gamblers to feed their addiction. Instead, the government has set out its intention to encourage Las Vegas-style ‘super-casinos’.

Other plans include a limit placed upon the number of jackpot fruit machines that can be installed in smaller venues to three per gaming table in casinos that have up to 40 tables, and a ‘link up’ system for slot machines, which would allow rollover prizes that could reach millions of pounds in size.

Lord McIntosh, minister for gambling, said: “The licensing regime for casinos must strike a clear balance between bringing gambling further into the mainstream leisure industry and ensuring fairness to participants and the protection of children and the vulnerable.”

Planning minister Keith Hill said: “Casinos as part of large tourism development can make a significant contribution to the local economy, especially in areas that depend on tourism and need regeneration. I want to see Regional Planning Bodies help give such areas a boost through tourism-led regeneration.”

The draft gambling bill will be published by the government later this year. Details: www.culture.gov.uk