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Possible delay to gambling reforms
It has been reported that the government’s plans to deregulate the gambling industry – announced last year to predictions of "a casino on every High Street" – may be delayed.
The proposed changes – which would have included live entertainment and alcohol being allowed on gaming floors and casinos staying open 24 hours a day and offering million-pound slot machine payouts – have been estimated to be worth £3bn a year to the industry and £1.5bn a year in tax to the government.
However, the Queen’s Speech this autumn, which will outline the legislative timetable for the coming year, is no longer expected to include the proposals.
It is said the delay, which could be as much as a year, is due to a lack of parliamentary time, although certain elements of the bill – the privatisation of the Tote and a shake up of the National Lottery – could be dealt with separately.
Andrew McGregor, head of leisure at property services group, FPDSavills, considers that any delay to the legislation "will make existing licences even more valuable and the holders of them very popular."
Marc Etches, managing director of Leisure Parcs, the company behind the scheme to bring resort casino hotels to Blackpool, said: "The current speculation of delays will, I hope, prove to be just that. I am certain that the government wants to get the new bill in as soon as possible."
He said it was inevitable there would be competition for parliamentary time, but continued: "We are confident that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport remains focused on the work necessary to get a new Gambling Bill enacted."
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