The British Methodist Church is set to challenge the government after claiming that ‘thousands and maybe millions’ of Britons will develop gambling related problems in the coming years.

Anthea Cox, the church’s coordinating secretary for public life and social justice said   "Unfortunately, evidence suggests that the new casinos, along with the increasing popularity of online gambling and the general normalization of gambling within Britain, could result in many more people developing a serious gambling addiction over an extended period,"

The announcement by the Church comes in the wake of the decision to introduce the United Kingdom’s first ever super Casino in Manchester.

Research indicates an estimated 370,000 people in the U.K already have gambling problems. A poll commissioned by the Salvation Army shows 56 percent of British people (and 64 percent of British women) do not want a casino to open where they live.

Manchester officials cite regeneration of rundown areas, £265 million in investments and up to 2,700 new jobs as good reasons to welcome the super casino.

Church officials acknowledge there is no evidence showing how a new regional casino will affect the United Kingdom. However, they cite the U.S. experience of rising gambling-related debt, crime, bankruptcy and associated social problems - including unemployment and family breakdown - as a predictor of what could happen here.

Clear Provisions in the new gambling law require "proper monitoring" by the government of the effects of increased gambling opportunities. British Methodists say they will be monitoring the situation carefully to ensure the government stands firm on its promise.