The new Gambling Bill to be published in the coming weeks by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell promises to sweep away most restrictions on gambling.

UK Gambling Bill: most restrictions will be swept away

The Government will soon unveil its controversial plans to transform Britain's gambling laws, according to news.yahoo.com.

The new Gambling Bill to be published in the coming weeks by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell promises to sweep away most restrictions on gambling.

The new bill will allow slot machines and roulette tables to appear in bingo halls and betting shops, and casinos to operate around the clock. But opponents fear the number of casinos could increase sharply.

Gambling revenues have soared in recent years mainly due to the rise of online gambling. Jowell believes gambling laws need updating and that casinos could help regenerate run-down areas.

But critics have warned the move could lead to a huge rise in the number of people in the UK whose lives are ruined by gambling addiction.

There are also concerns that US casino operators will cash in on the relaxation of the law.

Former welfare minister Frank Field has warned there would be "no turning back" once the door had been opened to the US giants.

Former shadow culture minister Julie Kirkbride warned that "the sheer access to it will create a lot of unhappiness and a lot of family distress."

"And whilst we might want to make it available in one or two places in the country, do we want it on our doorstep in every town and city across the country?"

Religious groups have also criticised the plans. The Salvation Army said the public did not want gambling laws relaxed.

An NOP poll commissioned by The Salvation Army showed that 93 percent of the British public thought there were already enough opportunities to gamble.