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UK Group Warns of Social Problems

The Las Vegas Sun

by Richard N. Velotta

In another G2E convention panel with international flavor, an organization that monitors compulsive gambling in Great Britain is warning that the liberalization of gaming legislation in that country could lead to a higher percentage of people with addictive gambling problems.

Teresa Tunstall, development officer for GamCare of London, said her organization estimates that only 0.8 percent of the nation's 60 million citizens have a compulsive gambling disorder. That, however, could increase if the British Parliament moves to allow more gambling venues as planned, she said.

GamCare -- the National Association for Gambling Care, Educational Resources and Training -- is a charity that says it is neutral toward the casino industry, but it works to counsel people with addictive behavior, particularly compulsive gambling. Tunstall said in the G2E panel that her group is lobbying to mandate that casino companies be required to finance research and treatment by GamCare.

Peter Dean, chairman of the Gaming Board of Great Britain, said during the panel that a tax rate on casinos still hasn't been discussed in liberalization proposals. Presently, existing casinos, keno parlors and sports books pay up to 40 percent of revenue in taxes.

Several Nevada companies have expressed varying degrees of interest in casino opportunities in Great Britain, some signing deals and others exploring possibilities.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Las Vegas, announced a $1 billion joint venture with Nottingham-based Gala Group to build eight regional casinos. MGM MIRAGE bought a 25 percent stake in Metro Casinos Ltd., Barnet, and the Las Vegas company has expressed interest in other deals.

Reno-based International Game Technology, the nation's dominant slot machine manufacturer, acquired Barcrest Games, Lancashire. Analysts have said changes in Great Britain would have a huge impact on the slot industry and new opportunities for IGT and Las Vegas rival Alliance Gaming Corp.

Adelson is investigating the development of casinos in England and Scotland if gaming laws are liberalized, according to reports published in London.

Three other Las Vegas companies -- Park Place Entertainment Corp., Mandalay Resort Group and Wynn Resorts Ltd. -- have said they are considering deals in Great Britain, but are awaiting additional details on regulations.

Dean also said Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., Biloxi, Miss., and Bahamas-based Kerzner International Ltd., which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, also are considering bids in Great Britain.

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