Casino News

UK casino operators welcome supercasino death knell

2007-07-12 16:04:43

Casino bosses in the UK have told a British newspaper that they are glad that the government looks set to scrap plans to build a so-called supercasino in a major English city.

The new prime minister, Gordon Brown, has called for a review into the gambling legislation that was defeated in March and asked MPs to reflect on the issue over the summer.

He also suggested that building a supercasino in Manchester may not bring about the desired regeneration on the city's east side.

Casino chiefs have told the Independent newspaper that they welcome the government's u-turn as they were fearful that a larger rival would steal their customers.

A spokesman for Rank told the newspaper: "We currently operate five casinos in the Greater Manchester area [...] and our casino managers will no doubt be relieved if the supercasino does not go ahead."

And Gala Coral said it said it had "no interest" in operating the supercasino anyway.

Mr Brown's predecessor, Tony Blair, hinted in May that both Manchester and the neighboring coastal of Blackpool could be granted a supercasino licence.