Bet you won't like this

The Gaming Act, that cynical, mind-numbingly crass piece of legislation, has had a further consequence (apart from letting giant casinos open in more of our cities). Local councils have complained that they are powerless to stop betting shops opening in the most deprived areas. Industry spokesmen have "justified" moving into such areas by saying...wait for it...that the shops will "brighten up shopping arcades" and provide "a meeting place for local people". Wouldn't you like to get hold of these spokesmen?