Sandwell could become the first council in the country to ban casinos if councillors who are worried about the effect of gambling on cash-strapped families get their way.

The borough’s Labour group is meeting in private tonight to discuss the bid.

The council can take action under new legislation introduced by the Government in the summer.

If the ban is introduced it will not affect the casinos already in the borough or any that have already been given planning permission but have not yet opened.

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Sandwell could become the first council in the country to ban casinos if councillors who are worried about the effect of gambling on cash-strapped families get their way.

The borough’s Labour group is meeting in private tonight to discuss the bid.

The council can take action under new legislation introduced by the Government in the summer.

If the ban is introduced it will not affect the casinos already in the borough or any that have already been given planning permission but have not yet opened.
Council leader Bill Thomas said the Labour group wanted to get tough because of the public concern over the effect casinos were already having on neighbourhoods in the borough.

It is understood that Dr John Middleton, Sandwell’s director of public health, has drawn up a special report on the effect the casinos could have in Sandwell.

Despite a massive regeneration programme in the last couple of years, Sandwell is still regarded as one of the most deprived areas in the country.

Dr Middleton is concerned on the effects gambling could have on families who are already on low incomes.