The Tories have announced they are working on a plan to make modifications to what they call “the dangerous Gambling Act.” Some points to be included in the proposal include tighter regulations on gambling advertising, especially for casinos, bookmakers and betting sites, and the prohibition to use credit cards to gamble online.

The plan was originated by an increase in the number of gambling addicts and people using the addiction hotline Gamcare. Up until now, almost 38,000 people have called the line, compared with 30,000 in 2007. Also, seven per cent of gamblers have confirmed they owe more than £100,000.

“A Tory government would reverse the most dangerous parts of the Gambling Act 2005,” Tobias Elwood commented. “Gaming must be seen as a form of entertainment where you're likely to lose money, rather than win.”

On the other hand, the main proposal included in the Tory plan, the increase of the number of slot machines in bingo halls and arcades, has already created concern. Currently, bingo halls and arcades are only allowed to have four category 3 machines on its premises. Tories wish to allow up to one fifth of the total number of slot machines and raise wagers to £2.