MP Ann Cryer has backed a Westminster campaign calling on the Government to recognise the impact gambling can have on families.

The warning comes as Bradford council bosses step up the pace to secure one of a new breed of Las Vegas-style casinos for the city.

The MP for Keighley is concerned that if the addiction is not conducted responsibly, children could themselves become addicts.

The Labour backbencher has signed a motion calling on the Government to launch a public information campaign about gambling addictions, which have run successfully in other countries including South Africa.

The motion praises the work of Gamblers Anonymous and others in helping compulsive gamblers to conquer their addiction.

But it warns of "the damage through debt and family breakdown that gambling addiction causes in all parts of society".

In particular, the motion highlights "the potential for children to become gambling addicts if gambling is not conducted in a responsible and controlled fashion".

The early day motion - a form of parliamentary petition - has been signed by 28 other MPs.

However, Tory MP for Shipley, Philip Davies, refuted claims made by the motion and said it was not up to the Government to influence gambling.

He said: "I have been to casinos and children are never let in. The internet is much more a danger to children.

"It is not up to the Government to decide about casinos impacting on people - it would just be another step to a nanny state.

"As to whether there should be a casino in the city is up to the Council. It is something they will have to think about."

Skipton and Ripon MP David Curry said: "I speak as a non-gambler who has never placed a bet in my life. I do not have a great deal of empathy with the industry.

"Children are exposed to very dangerous things in society and not enough attempts are made to get to grips with the problem."

It emerged earlier this month that formal proposals for the new casino with up to 150 slot machines have been put forward by Bradford Council chiefs.

The Casino Advisory Panel revealed that Bradford was among 41 local authorities in the running for one of 16 new casinos to be licensed nationally.

Under the controversial Gambling Act, half of the new establishments will be allowed 150 slot machines with a jackpot limit of £4,000.

The other half will be allowed up to 80, but with the same prize limits.

All of the casinos will also be allowed to set up a bookmaker inside and the larger ones will be able to run bingo.

There will also be a regional "super-casino" which the Government has pledged to introduce on a trial basis after a massive outcry by anti-gambling campaigners.

Twenty-seven more local authorities have applied for a super-casino - with unlimited jackpots - in their area.

Bradford is not among them.