Up until quite recently (until I read this lot had been approved for adoption and use in the UK in fact), I was under the naive impression that the UK Gambling Commission was looking out to ensure the the punters of the nation weren't being turned over. But after allowing the adoption of a double zero roulette wheel in the UK, I have my doubts.
Roulette's already a game with a healthy house edge, and even during busy times where there are two croups on, the house doesn't have to hold more than £25.00 an hour to cover the costs of providing the game (not accounting for the capital cost of the furniture of course). So it needs less than a grand an hour (£25 a spin?) going across the felt for roulette to pay for itself. Allowing operators to stick another green slot on the track is just pandering to corporate greed. Shame on them.
Another interesting question of course is whether the additional choice for the punter (number of games and optional side bets) will significantly increase the footfall in the UK's casinos, or whether numbers will continue to rise at the same rates as at present - will it be the same people going, but with the increased HEs on the majority of the new games on the list will just mean they'll lose more money while they're there, or stay for less time?
It may well just go the way of the States - where screwing down the games and increasing the HEs has not resulted in significantly greater profits, as people find they lose quicker and can't afford to visit so often. And in the UK, unlike perhaps the States, the potential pool of new, regular players is limited at best.
I can't really see Gala offering some of the new games on the list, as the costs of new tables/felts and the ever thorny issue of staff training might make it more hassle than it's worth. But I think we should have a sweepstake on how long it takes for the double-zero wheels to put an appearance in.