Council wins all the way with cash from Milton Keynes gamblers

thousands of pounds a year.

But ironically the council spends a chunk of the cash on services to help gambling ADDICTS, the Citizen can reveal.

Since Casino MK was granted its licence in 2012 it has handed over a whopping £3m plus to the council.

Some of the cash is a ‘Vulnerable Gamblers Contribution’ to help fund services for MK people who are addicted to gambling..

More of the money goes towards the neighbourhood employment programme (NEP) to help generate jobs.

And the more successful Casino MK becomes, the more cash lands in the council’s 
coffers.

For the licence was granted on the condition that the council receives a special ‘top-up’ payment if the casino’s gross gambling revenue exceeds £500,000. Last year this payment was £235,000.

Councillor Catriona Morris (pictured), chair of the licensing and regulatory committees, said the casino brings “considerable amounts of income” to the council.

“I understand that some people don’t like there even being a Casino in Milton Keynes, but having now got one, it’s important we work with the casino operators to help 
vulnerable members of the community,” she told the Citizen.

She added: “The casino contributes money which goes to different relevant projects, like a counselling service, which supports amongst other people, vulnerable gamblers. It’s important there is a positive impact on our communities.”

MK Council: “A meeting has taken place with the Young Gamblers Education Trust to establish what could be done to help those affected by gambling. Further work in this area will be undertaken.”