UK Gambling Bill Unlikely to Pass in Light of Elections

England's much debated gambling bill is unlikely to pass, should Tony Blair go ahead with plans to call for general elections in May. On April 4th or 5th, Blair is expected to visit the Queen, requesting that she dissolve Parliament. Considering the three and a half week minimum dedicated to the election campaign, talks on outstanding bills will be limited to just one week. When deciding on leftover bills, a task known as the "wash up," conservative Tories intend to reject most outstanding bills. A number of bills can be expected to pass, including those pertaining to disability discrimination, child benefit, official inquiries, mental capacity, a merger of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise and perhaps, the Constitutional Reform Bill. Prognosis for the Gambling Bill is poor, being that it is only beginning the committee stage in the Lords. The only way that the Gambling Bill could pass is if its most controversial aspects, which propose a relaxation of gambling legislation, are discarded.

Source: Online Casinos News Staff

Friday, 25 March 2005