JAMES Bond in Monte Carlo, the glamour of Ocean’s 11 or Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager – film makers are hooked on the glamour of casinos.

This week the operators of a new large casino planned for Southampton were revealed and they promised far more than mere elegance.

Aspers, which runs gambling houses across the country, says its multi-million-pound Southampton operation will create 200 jobs, £250,000 to be spent on projects to improve the city and two per cent of its gross gaming revenues.

Good news you would think. But at what cost might this windfall come?

Is there a danger that the casino, planned as part of the £450million Royal Pier regeneration, could create a new generation of problem gamblers?

The casino will contain up to 150 slot machines and 30 blackjack and roulette tables, as well as bars, restaurants and live entertainment.

Aspers has pledged a further £50,000 a year to go towards problem gambling initiatives across the city.

Yet the plan has still come in for criticism, not least from religious leaders.

Monsignor Vincent Harvey, parish priest for St Joseph and St Edmund in Southampton, said: “My concern would be [it] affecting the particular area near the old city.

“It’s quite a gentle area, there are a couple of pubs and no particular issues.”

He said he was concerned about it leading to “rowdiness and noise, in particular at night”.

He added: “I’m not against gambling per see, but I would worry that it can be attractive for people who can’t afford it.”

City alderman Peter Baillie is also not a fan.

He said: “I’m still of the absolutely firm view that while it is good news that 200 jobs are being created, they will be created out of hundreds and thousands of people in the city getting into debt.

“This is not what the city needs for its cohesion. I think ultimately it’s the wrong decision for the city.”

In Britain it is believed there are around 450,000 problem gamblers, people who become addicted to the high that comes with gambling.

People with a gambling addiction are more likely to also suffer from low self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression, according to the NHS.

Daily Echo:

PICTURED: The interior of an Aspers casino

The likelihood of them going to prison as a result of criminalactivity also increases and there is even a link between gambling and alcohol abuse.

A gambling addiction can manifest itself in many ways, including arguing with family or friends about money and gambling, losing interest in usual activities or hobbies or by borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to fund a betting habit.

But in an attempt to counter the problem, as well as giving £50,000 to prevent the issue, Aspers says it will bring its Community Action for Responsible Gaming forum to Southampton.

This forum is designed to provide a place to discuss the issues around responsible gaming as well as creating awareness and a programme of education to help the community affected by gambling.

The forum, which is already in place in Newcastle, Swansea, Northampton, Stratford City and Milton Keynes also assists local groups and identifies gambling trends in the community and if necessary takes action.

Licensing committee chairman Cllr Matt Tucker said: “Having such high-level competition has enabled us to look at all the proposals in great detail and negotiate the best deal for the city before deciding on Aspers as being the operator that we believe can deliver the most.

"I am sure Aspers will provide a quality and varied offer.”

Council leader Simon Letts said: “The casino is a really positive thing for the city, this is the final piece in the Royal Pier project, it will be a really big boost to the project going ahead.

“I’m not claiming to be an expert but it seems problem gambling happens in people’s homes, it is possible to go on the internet and loose £10,000 in 10 minutes.

“In many ways the casino is safer because you have to make the effort to go there, it is a controlled environment and a minimum of £50,000 a year will be given to deal with gambling issues across Southampton.”

Where to get help if you have a gambling addiction

  • Game Care provides a helpline for confidential advice, information and emotional support. Call 0808 8020 133 between 8am and midnight, seven days a week.
  • The Gordon Moody Association provides residential treatment for severely addicted gamblers, as well as providing outreach support and internet counselling service. Visit gordonmoody.org.uk or call 01384 241292 -
  • National Debtline has a helpline for free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Call: 08088 084000.
  • Gamblers Anonymous is a group of men and women who have come together to do something about their gambling problems and help each other. Visit gamblersanonymous.org.uk or call their helpline on 02073 843040.
  • Gam-Anon offers support to those affected by another person’s gambling. Visit gamanon.org.uk.