Casino Group Creates Local Commitee Ahead Of Flagship Casino Launch

Casino operator Aspinalls has teamed up with community leaders in Newcastle to launch a committee promoting responsible gambling ahead of the opening of its Aspers Casino at The Gate in October.

Community Action for Responsible Gaming (CARG) will include members of the police and the church as well as representatives from Aspinalls.

"Our aim is to work with agencies to identify any local problems there are and find ways to work effectively to solve them," said Aspers director, Damian Aspinall.

"We will also oversee fact finding and research on gambling trends in the community and help to resource and develop responsible gambling education materials and information."

Chief Inspector Marcus Hall of Northumbria Police, who will sit on the CARG committee, said: "We welcome this initiative as a practical way forward and hope to use the group to anticipate and plan for any potential problems."

Aspinall added that Aspers is designed to be a leisure destination and not solely for gambling.

The 1,200-capacity venue is the first of a planned rollout of the Aspers brand in the UK and will include two bars – one for live entertainment and one with sports screens – and a restaurant.

Three gaming floors will include a VIP area, an electronic gaming area and a main floor for gaming tables and slots.