Young at risk from casino

GUERNSEY must recognise there will be casualties if a casino opens. Between one and three per cent of the population - more than 120 people a year - could be affected by gambling addiction. And they will come from all parts of society, according to Paul Bellringer, the chief executive of Gamcare, a UK charity that helps victims, but is not anti-gambling. Young people under 25 are most at risk. The proposed casino at St Pierre Park Hotel will introduce a new form of gambling to Guernsey. Banks of up to 100 slot machines will be set up in a fan-shaped room, according to plans going before the States next week. Gaming machines are currently illegal, but will be permitted in the casino under a new law. They are a money-spinning draw, but slot machine addiction accounts for more than 50% of calls to Gamcare's helpline. The proposed casino, which will be part of a multi-million pound hotel revamp, will also offer automated roulette, black jack, and a private room for 'high rollers'. Mr Bellringer said addiction agencies should now include gambling in their remit, adding that a survey should be conducted to discover the level of existing problems to serve as a baseline for the future. Mr Bellringer, who was awarded the OBE for two decades of work on the social impact of gambling, said: 'I would urge your government to consider their social responsibility with an absolute seriousness.' Tourist Board director of policy and development Iain Shepherd said the social impact had been considered prior to the initial proposals for a casino put before the States in 1998. It had not been discussed in detail since then. But he said: 'The applicant is aware of these issues.' John Whittle, a director of the proposed new St Pierre Park casino company, said it was too early to discuss in detail. But he added that the social impact was something that it, the board and the Gambling Commission took seriously. 'These things have been worked out because it is a partnership that all of us want to make a success and if we are not mindful of the issues we are talking about, then it is not going to be a success. 'Problems are not unique to Guernsey; other jurisdictions have been operating facilities for a long time and have managed these issues. 'The point being, if you know at the outset how you plan to avoid them, then by and large you will.' Board of Health president Peter Roffey said: 'It is a very difficult philosophical area -do you stop the freedom of those who use the facility in order to protect the weaker in our society?' But he took the point that if the States gives a licence and then receives a revenue stream, then 'we cannot turn their backs on the consequences'. * Bill Galston has been appointed as chairman of the casino's compliance committee, which is responsible for regulation. He is a former chief inspector of the UK Gaming Board and also chairman of trustees of Gamcare. Mr Galston confirmed his appointment but said he was unable to make a comment without the authority of the casino company, which was refused.