FIRST he invented the low-cost airline - now he wants the no-cost airline - all paid for by gambling.

Flamboyant Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary this week announced plans to introduce in-flight gambling by 2007 and claimed that within four or five years the success of this and other services could make flights free. "Entertainment is where the real money will be made in future," he predicted.

And not from Las Vegas-style flying casinos, either, but via mobile phones or on-board equipment, although Mr O'Leary said a reliable payment system was needed.

He hit on the idea of gambling after introducing lottery scratch cards on flights and said it showed passengers were "bored" and "looking for entertainment". And the figures look impressive. Mr O'Leary believes up to £170 million a year in revenue could be raised for "almost zero" costs.

But would it work? Or will it just succeed in putting off customers? Passengers at Bournemouth Airport appeared to give the idea a cautious welcome.

Neil Adair of Co Down had just flown in with Ryanair from Dublin and was waiting to go on to Girona.

"To be honest I do enjoy a flutter and so it wouldn't bother me if there was gambling on flights," he said. "And if it meant that you got to fly free because of it, that's good news."

He believes that even if passengers aren't keen on gambling themselves: "They'd probably be happy to go on free flights, wouldn't they? Maybe some people would have a go just to get a free flight. At the end of the day people want to get from A to B as cheaply as possible and I think Michael O'Leary knows that."

Bernard Kelly of Glasgow was awaiting a return Ryanair flight to Prestwick and cheerfully admitted to enjoying a flutter on the horses.

But he felt there was bound to be a catch. "You don't get something for nothing and I reckon you'd need to gamble at least £50 pound a passenger to pay for this. This is fine if you can afford it but not so good if you get carried away.

"Imagine it on a longer flight. You could fly to New York and have lost your house as well as your shirt by the time you arrive!"

Two pensioners from Bournemouth - who asked not to be named - said gambling on planes would put them off flying Ryanair, especially if it led to extra noise.

But responses like this won't affect Mr O'Leary. In response to a question about families who might complain, he's reported as saying: "We recognise your right to object. But someone else will have your seat."

First published: November 4, 2005