The deputy prime minister yesterday insisted local authorities would decide whether casinos could be built in their area as concern grew over the government's Gambling Bill.

Chancellor Gordon Brown and John Prescott are leading Cabinet sceptics over the legislation, which will regulate betting but allow some Las Vegas-style facilities to be established.

Although they deny being opposed to the measures their stance could see a statutory limit placed on the number of new casinos.

Meanwhile, an ICM poll for the Guardian has found that only 34 per cent of those questioned supported plans to expand the number of casinos in Britain, with 53 per cent against.

This is despite 73 per cent admitting that they have had a flutter over the past year.

In contrast, there is support for a relaxation of drinking laws, with 57 per cent in favour of the government's plans, compared to 37 per cent expressing concerns.

As the Conservatives announced they will oppose the bill in the Commons next week, home secretary David Blunkett said there had been "interesting discussions" around the Cabinet table.

At his monthly press conference in Downing Street, Tony Blair denied the government was encouraging people to drink or bet.

"At one level we're being accused of introducing a nanny state," the prime minister said. "At another level we're deemed to be driving people to gamble and drink and all the rest of it."