AN anti-casino group has praised proposals that high licence fees should pay for problems caused by gambling.

The idea came from an all-party committee of MPs who studied the Government's plans for changing gambling laws.

The were looked into the proposed changes, which have divided opinions and could see Blackpool transformed into the North West's answer to Las Vegas.

A local campaign group say they feel the proposals would help to improve Blackpool's image.

A spokesman for the Blackpool Coalition Against Gambling Expansion said: "This is real progress and an opportunity for Blackpool.

"Let us change from an image of a town that promotes gambling addiction. Let Blackpool set the national standard in the research into gambling."

"We should discover the most effective methods of helping problem gamblers and what it costs."

But he added: "The coalition is against the gambling expansion full stop."

Coun Peter Callow, leader of the town's Conservative group, said: "I met the former Mayor of Atlantic City and he said unless there is an amount of money skimmed off for regeneration then don't touch it.

"I haven't a problem with the idea, it's just that unless it's a development on a grand scale then where is the money going to come from?"

And a local campaign group say they feel the proposals would help to improve Blackpool's image.

A spokesman for the Blackpool Coalition Against Gambling Expansion said: "This is real progress and an opportunity for Blackpool.

"Let us change from an image of a town that promotes gambling addiction. Let Blackpool set the national standard in the research into gambling.

"We should discover the most effective methods of helping problem gamblers and what it costs."

But he added: "The coalition is against the gambling expansion full stop."

The controversial plans to change gambling laws could see a rash of new casinos opening around the country. The Coalition say that 450 new venues could open up as a result.

But hopes that Blackpool could become a pilot area for the new law were scuppered last month when it was revealed that the Government had no intention of allowing the move.

Coun Callow said: "We are wanting the best for Blackpool. The town is crying out for regeneration, and is on its knees. And there has never been a Plan B."

Coun Callow added that he is currently trying to arrange a meeting with Mark Etches, boss at Leisure Parcs, who hope to be one of the first to open a casino.

A spokesman for the department of culture, media and sport said: "The report was very positive."