London Council continues casino ban

The borough made the decision last night (Wednesday 30 January). Under the Gambling Act 2005 councils can resolve not to issue casino premises licences. Enfield Council has never granted a casino licence in its borough.

Although research conducted in the United States on the impact of casinos was inconclusive about whether they increased crime rates in their vicinity, the research showed that their presence was linked to an increase in the number of people likely to gamble excessively and become victim to the associated health and other problems associated with such a lifestyle

Enfield Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Chris Bond, said: "We don't want casinos in Enfield, its as simple as that, they encourage people to gamble and result in people acquiring an addiction to gambling which can have a devastating impact on the family.

"The presence of casinos is directly linked to problem gambling and all the issues that causes - job losses, bankruptcy and poor mental health. We don't want to invite those problems into our communities which is why we've decided to retain the ban on casinos in Enfield.

"Gambling can also cause gamblers to run up debt which affects them and their families and pose a greater risk of people turning to illegal money lenders who often charge extortionate rates for repayment.

Note to editors

Enfield Council assumed responsibility for licensing gambling premises from magistrates' courts in 2007 and issues licences for amusement arcades, betting shops and bingo halls. It also issues permits for gaming machines and small charity lotteries

People who gamble to excess have been shown to suffer poorer mental health, are more likely to have damaging family arguments about gambling and are more likely to lose their job, be pronounced bankrupt or arrested than non-gamblers.