Sir: Tessa Jowell claims that the reduction in the number of super casinos allowed under the Gambling Bill will result in fewer jobs and less money coming into Britain (Business, 8 April).

But the Salvation Army and the Methodist church have always said that this should never have been a Bill about finances. The economic benefits of growth in the gambling industry have to be weighed against the serious social and economic costs of an increase in gambling addiction. That is why we are pleased that the Gambling Bill will introduce a more comprehensive regulatory regime and greater protection for vulnerable people, but with a significant reduction in some of the hardest and most addictive forms of gambling.

Cmmssr SHAW CLIFTON

Territorial Commander

The Salvation Army in the UK and Republic of Ireland

The Rev WILL MORREY

President of the Methodist Conference, The Methodist Church

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