All bets off

Sir, Professor Orford was right to point out in his report that gambling machines offering unlimited stakes and prizes are a major cause of problem gambling (“Relaxed gaming laws will cause extensive damage within 20 years”, Aug 12).

These category A machines will, under the Gambling Act 2005, be found only in supercasinos and are a key reason why the Campaign Against Supercasino Expansion opposes the introduction of such casinos in the first place.

Not only do supercasinos pose a real threat in terms of addictiveness of the new category A machines, but there is little evidence that the public supports attempts to introduce them.

Public meetings about super casinos are being held in each of the eight shortlisted locations this month. I urge anyone who is concerned about a supercasino opening nearby to attend. It may be a last chance to express an opinion on a subject that has been poorly debated and which stands to have dramatic social costs.