The publication of the new Gaming Bill has triggered a battle by the trade to make sure pubs gain from the legislation.
A survey conducted for Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) has revealed that 76 per cent of people want more gaming machines in pubs. However, Tessa Jowell, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, indicated that the government is reluctant to allow more than the current two machines per bar.
Announcing the bill at the BISL annual conference yesterday (November 19) Ms Jowell said: "Adults will have a greater freedom of choice but I am not in favour of a free-for-all.
"We will not allow gaming machines to proliferate. "Numbers and prizes will be limited. Pubs, clubs and cafés will be allowed to keep what they have now but there will be no increase in the prizes available."
Ms Jowell appeared to keep the door open on the possibility of pubs having more machines.
Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said he thought an increase in the number of machines allowed was "still up for grabs".
BISL's research shows that 80 per cent of people want more opportunities to gamble and 76 per cent favour more machines in pubs and clubs.
Iain Wilkie, of accountant Ernst & Young which carried out the research, said: "Public attitudes were in favour of linking leisure to gambling.
"The minister seems to be lumping pubs in with cafés."
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