Ban casino ATMs - church
2003-09-22 12:51
Cape Town - The Anglican Church has called for a ban on automatic teller machines in casinos.
In a resolution released by Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane on Monday, the executive committee of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa said it reiterated its reservations about gambling, casinos and the lottery in southern Africa.
It urged Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin to ensure that proposed changes to gambling legislation included a ban on ATMs in casinos.
Casinos should have to close for defined periods, rather than remaining open 24 hours a day, to allow patrons to "cool off", and "inducements" such as free drinks or meals, and playgrounds for patrons' children, should be outlawed.
"I think the major concern is poor people are spending more money in casinos and there's no food on the table," said Njongonkulu.
The resolution was taken at a meeting of the executive, formally known as the standing committee, last week.
The committee is made up of the church's bishops, elected clergy and lay members.
- SAPA