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Casinos Set to Boom as British Gaming Laws Face Reform

``The report, by a committee chaired by Sir Alan Budd, a former chief economic adviser to the Treasury, proposes easing the curbs on new casinos, which are currently limited to areas designated by the Home Office 40 years ago.

``This could allow many towns to open casinos, and insiders predict that the current 118 establishments, primarily in big cities and resorts, could rise to 200.

``…Other changes being mooted are:

``Abolition of the rule that requires any gambler at a casino to register as a member 24 hours before playing.

``An increase in the number of slot machines within any single casino. These are at present limited to 10.

``Allowing casinos to offer live entertainment, which could widen their appeal.

``Raising the £1,000 limit on jackpots from fruit machines.

``…The gambling industry has long been lobbying this and previous governments (in Britain), but the churches, notably the Methodists and Evangelical Alliance, have expressed their concern about any easing of the laws.

``…The Budd recommendations also call for relaxations on betting shops. At present there are 8,100 in Britain with each one having to be at least 400 yards from another…"

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