Local authorities throughout Britain have been asked by the Casino Advisory Panel to formally acknowledge a wish to have a new casino in their area. The Panel has requested that all proposals should be submitted by 31 March 2006, and has published detailed guidance setting out the background to the call for proposals and the evaluation process for the specific information needed.

Chairman of the Casino Advisory Panel is Professor Stephen Crow, who said yesterday "We know that there has been a great deal of speculation about where the 17 new regional, large and small casinos are to be located. We have already done some background research on the subject but until we see all the evidence, we are keeping entirely open minds and have no preconceived ideas where the casinos should go. That is why today we have formally invited local authorities who want a casino to provide us with evidence about their areas.”

The guidance issued sets out the criteria to be used and the information required to assist the Panel to make its decision. It is hoped that it will ensure that comparable information is received for all areas. Professor Crow continued, “I cannot emphasize too much that it is evidence we are looking for, not marketing. That is why we have been very specific about the information we need. It is also very important that proposals are sent to us by the closing date of 31st March so that we can allow time for a fair and thorough examination of that evidence. “

The one regional casino will be expected to have a minimum customer area of 5,000 m2 and up to 1,250 Category A unlimited jackpot gaming machines. Many different councils around Britain will be vying to have this regional casino, and it is likely that once the location is chosen then a tender process will be initiated to select an operator. The Casino Advisory Panel has been asked to provide its recommendations for all 17 new licences to the Secretary of State before the end of 2006. (E-02.02.06)

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