Several top church groups, including the Church of England, the Baptist Union
of Great Britain and the Salvation Army, have united in their protest against
the government's decision to increase prizes on slots in casinos around
the country.
In a bid to save the struggling land based casino industry in the UK,
especially local bingo halls, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
announced changes to its current policy and said players could win a maximum of
£70 on their favourite slot machines - essentially doubling the current top
prize of £35. In addition, the maximum stake has been increased from 50p to
£1.
These changes apply to Category C slots.
However, the church groups are not convinced that saving the gambling
industry will be beneficial to UK society in the long run, despite the fact that
it employs thousands of people in the workforce and brings in millions of pounds
each year to fill depleting government coffers.
"With global recession looming, unemployment rising and disposable income
falling, the government has gone back on its earlier concern for vulnerable
people in response to pressure from the gambling industry," said the Home
Affairs Policy Advisor for the Church of England, Christopher Jones. "While it
is right that there should be periodic reviews of stakes and prizes, the
proposed increases are excessive and will encourage people to risk money that
they simply cannot afford to lose."
Speaking for the Methodist Church, David Bradwell expressed his concerns and
said: "Slot machines are one of the most addictive forms of gambling, because of
the repetitive and solitary nature of play. The government claim to be committed
to protecting those vulnerable to gambling addiction, but have ignored our calls
for caution and proper analysis."
