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UK Warehouse Casinos to Open

UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by the (UK) Observer: "A new generation of 'warehouse casinos' with £1 million (US$1.69 million) jackpot fruit-machines will be given the go-ahead this week in one of the biggest shake-ups in the gambling industry since its connections with organised crime in the 1960s.

"The Government will permit a series of casinos of more than 5,000 square feet, which will allow towns such as Blackpool to become British versions of Las Vegas.

"…A Gambling Bill to be published this week by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will also contain safeguards to stop children gambling and to regulate the industry. A new, high-powered Gambling Commission will have powers to levy unlimited fines on casinos, bookmakers or pubs that contravene licences, to access criminal records of licence holders, and to prosecute people who allow children to gamble.

"There will be limits on the numbers of new 'super' fruit machines in each casino.

"…The number of casinos is set to soar, although the Government says the size regulations mean there will not be 'a casino on every high street'. Because new casinos will have to be above the 5,000 sq ft limit, companies will have to make bigger profits to make the venues viable.

"…The industry is keen to take advantage of legislation likely to be in place by next year. Gambling has been one of the few growth sectors in the City since 2000…"

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