WHEN we are beset by the consequences of addiction-driven crime, debt and indulgence, the Government's action to throw open the floodgates on gambling takes some understanding.

It's hardly surprising that churches, psychiatrists and gamblers' support groups are shaking their heads in exasperated disbelief. The shake-up of gambling laws has the appearance of a chancellor's attempt to cash in on the vulnerable.

His plan is to boost tourism in coastal resorts struggling to compete with other parts of the world because of what some would describe as parsimonious Victorian attitudes to gaming.

Some resorts have put up a good case for loosening the grip on casinos and bingo halls and it is no secret that the loudest voice has come from Blackpool. But while giving regeneration opportunities to run-down resorts may be commendable, the flip side is darkly worrying.

Nearly half a million Britons travel to Las Vegas every year to gamble in an environment which includes first-rate entertainment and open-all-hours bars and restaurants. The Government's hope is that many will now choose to stay home. But if the Government believes that only the self-disciplined and thrifty gambler will look in on newly-glitzed gambling dens on draughty British coasts, it is fooling itself.

Dr Emanuel Moran, adviser on gambling to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has warned: "The new proposals... are presented as providing choice for punters, when actually their purpose is to incite them to take part and keep going."

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell counters that the British gambling industry needs to respond to customer-led developments and fully contribute to the UK economy. This may be the real point of the exercise.

In spite of repeated rhetoric about the need to protect the family, reduce debt and address crime, the Government is prepared to take its own lottery chance on boosting revenues by making it simpler for people to throw away their money.

We have industries and small businesses screaming out for government first aid. It is they that should be well ahead of casinos in the queue.

JEAN ALLISON (Mrs), Whalley Road, Shuttleworth, Ramsbottom.