Proposals to relax the laws governing casinos are opposed by the vast majority of voters, according to a poll published on Wednesday.

The draft Gambling Bill aims to pave the way to allow for the construction of a larger number of casinos, but with stricter rules applied to their licences.

If passed, the bill will also require owners to contribute to a fund towards helping those suffering with gambling addictions.

But of those questioned for the NOP survey, 93 per cent expressed their support for the status quo.

The poll, commissioned by the Salvation Army, found that 82 per cent of those questioned were against proposals to allow children to use fruit machines with low rewards.

Just over half of respondents would not an establishment in their area, rising to 64 per cent among women.

In addition, 94 per cent warned that allowing customers to gamble using credit cards would put more people at risk from running up debts.

"Research has shown time and time again that if you increase access to addictive activities, whether it be gambling, drugs or drinking, the level of abuse and addiction rises," said Dr Adrian Bonner, head of addiction services at the Salvation Army.

"Yet there seems to be no indication by the government as to how they intend to tackle what will be a growing problem.

"We want to see the government commission substantial research on the likely impact of the liberalisation before it is decided upon and enacted."