It’s a gamble

SHOULD electronic bingo centres be allowed to open in shopping centres?

This is the big question of the week as the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board has received applications from 12 malls to install these on their premises.

The Southcoast Mall is one of the centres that wants to have a bingo hall.

However, civic organisations are against such a move as they fear easy access to the machines will add to the ever-growing problem of gambling addiction.

Many people feel that there are already too many gambling outlets such as casinos, limited payout slots in bars and clubs and off course totes.

Are the bingo centres great entertainment or will shoppers be tempted to spend the grocery money on a flutter?

The public has until today (Thursday) to file their objections.