Gala Coral faces wrath of regulators

LONDON, England -- As reported by The Guardian: "Gala Coral, the private equity-owned gambling group, is facing another wave of regulatory uncertainty just as the debt-laden business struggles to swallow swingeing duty hikes imposed on its bingo halls and slot machines.

"Industry regulator the Gambling Commission is later this month expected to advise culture minister Gerry Sutcliffe to carry out further research into links between betting shop roulette machines and problem gambling. A study two years ago found one in nine players on the machines were problem gamblers.

"The move will add to uncertainty for all bookmakers, including Coral, which was one of the first to see the potential of roulette slot machines. Analysts are speculating that Chancellor Alistair Darling may see roulette machines as an easy target for future tax increases..."