PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
RAPID DRAW LOTTERY GAMES (10 November 1997)

That this House views with concern proposals to establish rapid-draw games sold through licenced premises based on the American Keno, with the prospect of draws taking place every five to 15 minutes for jackpot prizes of up to ú100,000, as these would create a lethal mixture of alcohol drinking and addictive gambling; notes that similar games have been banned in numerous other countries and that where they are permitted in the United States and Canada they give rise to social problems on an unacceptable scale; further notes the claim that charities would receive 20 per cent. of sales, but observes that this would represent significantly less than the contribuitions made to good causes and in tax by the National Lottery and the football pools, both of which would be unreasonably damaged by the introduction of Keno style games; and looks forward to early confirmation from the Home Secretary that such games, regardless of which organisation promotes them, will not be permitted.

Sponsored by:
Claire Ward (Labour)