Prom game operators prosecuted

2:47pm Thursday 2nd November 2006

Stall holders playing a game of chance' in Blackpool could end up risking more than they bargained for - that is the message from Blackpool Council after two men were prosecuted for running a rollerball game on the promenade.

Robert Walker and John Mason, both of Lowry Terrace, Blackpool, each received a three year conditional discharge by magistrates in the town and ordered to pay £500 costs after being found guilty of operating a rollerball game.

The board game, which involves ping pong balls being released into a series of numbered holes, was used by promenade stall holders a few years ago but banned in 2003 following complaints from members of the public reporting high losses of cash.

Existing operators changed the games to either darts or hoop-based skill games.

As rollerball is classed as a game of chance it requires a permit and is not allowed to be operated in certain places.

Trading Standards chiefs said they hoped the men's prosecution sent out a clear message not only to rogue operators but members of the public.

Tim Coglan, Trading Standards manager at Blackpool Council, said: "I hope this sees an end to this kind of game in which vulnerable and naive visitors or residents have lost great sums of money, some as high as £500.

"It clearly offered no value to the town and very often left the consumer destitute. The operators had no regard for fairness and sought to obtain as much money as they could from the players and often escorted people to cash machines."

Orders for compensation were also made against the two accused and a deprivation order of all the goods seized was sanctioned by the court