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Scottish Executive Hints at Stopping Super-Casino Development

SCOTLAND, United Kingdom – As reported by the Scotsman: "The Scottish Executive today hinted it would step in to stop any local authority giving the go-ahead for a Las Vegas-style super-casino.

"Under proposed reforms of the gambling laws, local licensing boards would be left to determine whether a super-casino should be allowed in their area.

"But the Executive would still have the power to 'call in' applications and decide them on strategic grounds.

"Ministers from First Minister Jack McConnell down have already signalled their dislike of the idea of major casino developments.

"And today, Deputy Finance Minister Tavish Scott, whose remit covers the gambling reforms, made clear the Executive would not hesitate to act.

"…His comments came as fellow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown warned the plan to allow local authorities to make the key decisions was 'a recipe for chaos'.

"Mr Brown said it should be the Scottish Parliament which had the final say on whether a Las Vegas-style development should be allowed in Scotland.

"…Mr Brown said he found it difficult to accept claims that the super-casinos would bring investment and regeneration to local communities. The evidence from other countries was they were surrounded by 'acres of deprivation' which only got worse…"

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