I AM amazed at the joy shown in Manchester and the disappointment in Blackpool by the decision regarding the introduction of the new supercasino.

This is the thin edge of a long but very dangerous wedge.

Anyone who has visited Australia must have seen at first hand the problems caused by the increase in the use of "one-armed bandits". In the cities, the larger casinos appear to be very well maintained and supervised, but in the smaller towns they appear to be largely outlets similar to our public houses but with a relatively small casino room. They seem to be filled with people who are addicted to these machines and I have heard stories of people getting into serious debt problems as a result.

The thought that the next coin in the slot will solve all their money problems keeps them glued to their seats. In some places, an attendant will hold the fort whilst a comfort break is taken.

These places attract clients by offering meals and drinks at reasonable prices and the one I went to on the Mornington Peninsular, in Victoria, was invariably well attended.

I trust that local authorities will study these points when they receive applications in the future for licences to run an establishment like this, which they will certainly will.

George Rutter Lostock Bolton