Las Vegas-Style Destination Casino for East Manchester

5.51.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Feb 2007

Manchester's 33 Liberal Democrat Councillors have re-iterated their concerns about the social impact of the Destination Casino announced for East Manchester. Manchester Lib Dem leader Councillor Simon Ashley voiced a note of caution about the potential increase in gambling addiction in the city. Councillor Ashley said: "The Lib Dems in Manchester have consistently said that we will support a Destination Casino in the city only if it can be shown that regeneration and job benefits outweigh the social concerns raised by such a casino." He added:"We welcome jobs and regeneration in East Manchester. However, the Council needs to make sure that this Casino is as socially responsible as it can be." Manchester Liberal Democrats welcome the leisure, entertainment, conference, hotel and sports facilities proposed as part of the overall development.

Gaming Machines with Unlimited Payouts Fuel Gambling Addiction

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Manchester City Centre Marc Ramsbottom said that the news had mixed blessings:"The Government's own report says that casinos are likely to deliver mixed results, and independent studies have shown that casino-led regeneration is untested in this country. If this casino brings the jobs that is claimed it will be good news, but the police have already said that it will also lead to a surge in crime and a rise in problem gambling."

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Manchester Liberal Democrats' 2006 Manifesto stated:

"The Liberal Democrats will only support a destination Casino in the city if it can be shown that regeneration and job benefits outweigh the social concerns raised of such a large Casino."