Critics fear a rise in the number of problem gamblers

The Gambling Bill will have its second reading in the Commons on Monday.

Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and some Labour MPs say they will oppose it because they are concerned it will lead to more problem gambling.

Ms Jowell told the BBC she acknowledged public concern about the bill and was open to suggestions from MPs.

'Gradual approach'

There's a consensus that the bill will have to be amended to provide better controls Simon Hughes Liberal Democrats

She told the Breakfast with Frost programme: "If what members of Parliament want to see is a more gradual approach then of course we will consider that. I will take very seriously constructive proposals for improving this bill.

"It's perfectly possible also that investors will find our regulatory regime just too tough because our over-riding concern will be protection of the public and protection of the vulnerable and children."

Critics have argued the bill, which will allow "super casinos" with up to 1,250 slot machines offering unlimited prizes, could lead to a rise in the levels of gambling addiction in the UK.

They also fear it could lure more dangerous criminals into the British gambling industry.

Shadow Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said Ms Jowell's comments showed the government was "in retreat" on the issue.

GAMBLING BILL Casinos open 24 hours Immediate access for public, no 24-hour joining period Unlimited jackpots in largest casinos Betting allowed on Good Friday and Christmas Day A new criminal offence of inviting, permitting or causing a child to gamble Compulsory age checks by gambling websites operating from the UK Mystery shopper surveys by the Gambling Commission to check rules followed Tighter restrictions on betting exchanges Allowing casinos to advertise for first time

He said most people would accept a gradual liberalisation of gambling laws, but the current bill went "too far too fast".

"One of the things we would like to see is appropriate safeguards to cap the number" of large casinos allowed to operate, he said.

Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes told BBC News it was "positive" that Ms Jowell was prepared to make concessions.

"There's a consensus that the bill will have to be amended to provide better controls," he said.

Modernisation

Ms Jowell said the new rules were needed to modernise the system of regulation.

"Almost every week new games, new forms of technology are making gambling more available to a wide range of people," she said.

She said she understood that many people had "great concerns" about gambling and its potential impact, but that the bill balanced respect for personal freedom with the need to protect those at risk.

"Problem gambling will rise if we don't secure this bill and the protections it includes," she said.

She denied reports that US casino operators had spent as much as �100m lobbying the government for a relaxation of the regulatory regime.

She said while she had not met US representatives, some ministers within her department had.

But she added consultations had taken place with a wide range of groups, including children's charities, faith groups and individual MPs.