As anticipated, Britain’s Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) is set to reveal which of the 27 applications for a mega casino have been shortlisted. The provisional list is due to be released on Wednesday and expected to contain projects from twelve regional authorities that will undergo further appraisal. Early front runner Blackpool should be there, along with Greenwich in London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Coventry and Manchester. However, the list is provisional and could be amended at a later date. Shortlists are also due for the eight large and eight small casino licences available.

Other bidders for the regional casino include seaside resorts such as Great Yarmouth and Southend-on-Sea and cities such as Leeds and Newcastle. All 27 applications were accompanied with extensive material outlining the case for being granted the ‘super’casino licence. CAP Chairman Professor Stephen Crow, in the guidance for proposals, stated, “I cannot emphasize too much that it is evidence we are looking for, not marketing.”

CAP will be considering the proposals to see how the supporting evidence supplied measures up to the criteria laid down by the Secretary of State and Government policy. Those regional councils not shortlisted will doubtless continue to press for inclusion, but twelve contenders are still a large number to weigh up before CAP must make its final decision. It is unlikely that Wednesday’s announcement will hold many surprises and the field, on the face of it at least, will continue to look wide open. (E-05.22.06)

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