The police report takes an anti casino stance, noting that when these properties open, both criminal and anti-social behavior such as gambling addiction will rise.
The report no only directly contradicts statements by the British government that these newer and larger casinos would not create an increase in negative social and criminal behavior, but also is potentially embarrassing for the legislature since an announcement on the first super casino license is due to come sometime during the next two weeks.

Taking on specifically the Dome in London, which is far and away the front runner in getting the first super casino license, the report lambastes the potential project and saying that if open, it will divert police resources. Additionally, it says that the casino will lead to a rise in organized crime, money laundering and easier access to susceptible groups such as children.

Detective Inspector Darren Warner of the Metropolitan Police's Gaming Unit wrote the report for the benefit of PricewaterhouseCoopers, which had been previously asked to prepare a study on the effects of casino gaming on the population if a casino were to be open at the Millennium Dome. The report had been under wraps since it was submitted in March 2006, but was uncovered this week after reporters from BBC Channel 4’s Dispatches show and The Observer came across the paper.

Warner specifically says in the report: “Excessive drinking and gambling are a poor combination. Deregulation raises concerns around incentives to customers, cheap drinks etc...With corresponding antisocial [behavior] problems”

He also warned: “A massive development attracting thousands, or possible hundreds, of people a day there are obvious problems related to that. The biggest contributor to antisocial behavior problems in the area is not the fact that the premises hold gaming licenses, it is the additional fact they will hold liquor licenses... this would mean a shift in the demand on police from their traditional activities.”

The report went on to say that children and other ‘vulnerable groups” would be at risk as well. Further, Warner worries in the report that sex-based attractions will multiply and be used as a way to lure in potential casino bettors.

So far, Britain's Gambling Commission has approved 29 new gaming licenses during the last year. However, only one will be a super casino. While the government originally expected to see as many as 40 new casinos built in reaction to a new gaming law enacted in 2005, controversy is scaling back the original plans. Now it looks as if there will be a few as 17 new casinos allowed opening.

All of the current licensees filed their petition before April 2006 when a new series of regulations came into play limiting the number of licenses that could be approved. A total of 63 new casino applications were filed based on now outdated 1968 legislation.

While it is possible more than 17 new casinos will open, there is worry about a lack of demand. Four casinos closed in the UK during 2006, including two that had been open less than 18 months.

The country currently has 140 very small casinos featuring just 10 slot machines with top jackpots of just £4,000. Additionally, people must be a member of the casino to gamble there. Under new rules they will get to double the number of slots they have.

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