The Church of England logoFaithWorshipLife eventsAbout the Church
Information Contact us
Media Centre Home
Media

Prime Minster’s questions over supercasinos and gambling welcome, says bishop

12 July 2007

The Church of England has warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement reviewing the creation of a supercasino, particularly noting his concern as to whether a supercasino can socially and economically regenerate an area.

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, who has spoken in the House of Lords about the harm caused to society by gambling has responded to the Prime Minister’s statement. Today he said:

"There are better engines of social and economic regeneration than supercasinos - ones that don't risk potential long-term material and spiritual deprivation.

"The Prime Minister's review of supercasinos gives hope to communities that they will not be offered help with one hand and harm with the other.

“Investment aimed at creating a vibrant and diverse local economy stands a better chance of promoting regeneration than relying on trickle-down from a single morally-questionable activity.

"But this is not just an issue about the location of supercasinos. They represent a well-documented risk of addiction and damage to individuals, families and communities wherever they are sited.

"Churches and faith communities regularly work with the human effects of gambling addiction and the Prime Minister's interest in the prevalence and social effects of gambling is very welcome."

Ends