The port city of Southampton on England’s south coast, selected to host a ‘large’ casino under the Gambling Act 2005, is now able to request applications from prospective operators. However, the City Council has decided to consult local residents before seeking bidders and the public hearings will be delayed until detailed plans for the redevelopment of Southampton waterfront have been approved. A fully operational large casino – one with up to 150 gaming machines and jackpot prizes of £4,000 – is therefore some years away.

Comments on the news printed in the local Daily Echo are from the usual mix of supporters and opponents of another casino in the city – there are already three. The prospect of a public consultation receives several derisory remarks as Southampton City Council apparently held one on the subject of adding fluoride to the water system, which was rejected by the majority but the Council proceeded to authorize it anyway. The fact that the big passenger ships dock in Southampton and could bring extra gambling dollars to a waterfront casino and into the local economy is appealing to some councillors and residents.

This week plans to transform the waterfront into a marine basin with giant promenade were revealed by developers Kilmartin. The Red Funnel ferry terminal would be relocated and the extra space utilized for a circular basin on the lines of harbour developments in Sydney (Darling Harbour) and Cape Town (Victoria and Albert Docks). The Scottish company Kilmartin is one year into an 18-month exclusivity agreement with the Council but construction is unlikely to commence for at least two years. The scheme involves demolishing a derelict pier, greatly increasing the size of the Royal Pier and is expected to cost in the region of £325 million.

Shops, restaurants, hotels and offices make up the bulk of the proposed waterfront revamp but the incorporation of a large casino would become a priority to attract tourists. The Royal Pier is a favoured site for the new casino that is expected, if approved, to bring around £11 million a year extra into the local economy through jobs and services. At present Genting has two casinos in the city – Maxims and Mint – and Rank has a Grosvenor Casino. It is possible that either of the big UK operators would bid for the large casino licence and close an operation now open. (E-09.17.09)

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