To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport by what procedures local authorities may license new casinos in their areas other than the 16 small and large casinos catered for in his Department’s recently-sponsored legislation. (233566)

[holding answer 6 November 2008]: Under the 1968 Gaming Act, casinos could be established in 53 permitted areas in England, Wales and Scotland, provided that the Gambling Commission had issued a valid certificate of consent and local licensing justices had approved a casino licence application for the premises.

The final date for applications to the Gambling Commission for a certificate of consent was 28 April 2006. Therefore no new certificates of consent and no related new casino licences can be issued.

There are six potential applications for casino licences (including one card club) under the 1968 Gaming Act that have not yet been heard by local licensing justices. Existing 1968 Gaming Act casinos may also apply to move to substitute premises within the same permitted area. Finally, there are 16 casino licence applications where an appeal has been lodged, or is being considered, against a decision by local licensing justices not to grant a casino licence.