WORKINGMEN'S clubs across the North breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after the Government announced it would not ban one-armed bandits in a gambling review.
Culture Minister Richard Caborn told the Commons the Gaming Review Body's recommendation to order their removal would not be followed.
It had been feared thousands of working men's clubs would close if the Government supported the proposals.
Tory Mark Hoban asked ministers to ''safeguard the future of the jackpot machines (which) so many members clubs are dependent upon for their survival''.
Mr Caborn responded: ''I can say that has been looked at sympathetically and we have decided that, in fact, we shall keep those jackpot machines because of the very strong representations that have made and the role those clubs play in the social infrastructure in the areas where they operate.''
The review, headed by Sir Alan Budd, recommended removing bandit machines, which have a 50p stake and a £250 top prize, from social clubs as children could have access to them.
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