Crime, bankruptcy, suicide: coming to a Dome near you

A PricewaterhouseCoopers report obtained by the Daily Mail's sister paper, the Evening Standard, reveals that the proposed gambling complex is likely to lead to more problem gambling which could fuel a rise in crime, suicide, illness and bankruptcy.

Young people, the poorly educated, pensioners and people who start betting on slot machines are among high-risk groups more likely to become addicts.

In a risk assessment of the proposed casino to be run by Kerzner International, the PwC consultants said: "Evidence suggests problem gambling will increase with increased availability."

Greenwich council has refused for months to release the report, despite requests under freedom of information legislation, citing issues of commercial sensitivity.

Even the draft copy obtained by the Standard has key sections removed on the grounds that they contain trade secrets and that disclosurewould be a breach of confidence, or be likely to prejudice the commercial interest of the person providing the information.

However, the report is still likely to raise considerable concerns about the effect of Las Vegas-style supercasinos and the social problems that can be caused by problem gamblers. It estimates Greenwich residents could account for six per cent of visits to a Dome gambling complex and five per cent of the total spend.

The plans for a supercasino at the Dome are already embroiled in controversy after John Prescott stayed at the Colorado ranch of US billionaire Philip Anschutz whose company, Anschutz Entertainment Group, is seeking to develop the huge gaming centre. The Deputy Prime Minister failed to declare the visit in the Commons Register of Members' Interests.

The Dome is away from the main residential area in Greenwich. However, the draft report, compiled "exclusively" for Greenwich council's use, says: "Research indicates that close proximity to casinos increases the prevalence of problem gambling. Greenwich residents, part icularly those who will live in the 10,000 new houses, are at i ncreased risk.

A highly proactive approach to managing problem gambling risk will be essential if the regional casino is to avoid negatively impacting Greenwich.

The report highlights that an estimated 2,350 jobs will be created, with more than half filled by people living in the borough.

The study adds: "Whilst a high degree of uncertainty exists, available evidence suggests that if problem gambling and other social risks are managed effectively, a Kerzner regional casino built on the Greenwich Peninsula would have a net positive impact.

"However, it is not possible to provide an estimation of the expenditure required by Greenwich to address problem gambling, or the potential personal cost to individuals."

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has said that tough controls were being put in place to protect vulnerable groups. A spokesman added: "We are allowing only one regional casino and its impact will be closely monitored."

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has previously argued that Labour's gaming reforms under the Gambling Act 2005 will have failed if they lead to an rise in addiction.

Kerzner International has also stressed its commitment to tackling problem gambling. However, the report suggests there will be a rise and that "problem gamblers account for a significant proportion of gaming revenues."

It also says sites are understood to have been earmarked for possible regional casinos, in later licence allocations, at King's Cross and Stratford.

Proposals have also been put forward for sites at Wembley Stadium and in Havering.

The study adds that the current low level of casino-related gambling addiction is largely down to the fact that there is low patronage of gambling centres, about four to five per cent of adults.

The consultants believe that the number of adults gambling at casinos could double to one in 10 and that a significant number could become betting addicts.

Shadow culture secretary Hugo Swire said: "This report makes extremely alarming reading. It shows there could be an explosion in problem gambling near a supercasino at the Dome."

The report adds that a separate study in 2000 provided evidence that the UK casino industry is sustained by regular gamblers among whom the prevalence of problem gambling was relatively high.

While regular casino visitors made up only seven per cent of all users, they were "extremely active", accounting for 63 per cent of all casino visits.