Since the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) wrote to the local authorities that are bidding to obtain a casino licence under the new Gambling Act, several are considering how to bolster their case and gain more points in the selection process. CAP decided that all local authorities that had previously submitted a proposal for a regional, large or small casino would be advised of the chance to make further submissions. It warned, however, that any new submissions would not affect the position of those already shortlisted but could lead to the lists being extended.

Only compelling new information that was unavailable at the time the original proposal was made will be considered by CAP. Any new material must address one or more of the key lines of enquiry set out in the Call for Proposals. These are type of area; social impact; need for regeneration; willingness to licence; probability of implementation; regional context; community benefits and unique characteristics. The local authorities have been urged not to make further submissions as a comparative exercise with proposals from other local authorities, all of which are now in the public domain.

Until CAP published the rankings of the local authorities after its preliminary investigation, many believed that Blackpool was the frontrunner. At present it is actually lying third, after top-ranked Greenwich and Glasgow. The fact that the seaside resort of Blackpool has long been in dire need of regeneration had seemed to give the town the extra impetus needed to host Britain’s first mega casino and to become a casino destination resort.

The brief given to CAP is actually very clear, and regeneration is not the major consideration. The misconception probably arose when Vegas-style casinos in Britain were first on the cards. Originally market forces were to limit the number of mega casinos built, and around 40 projects were anticipated. Then the number was limited to eight, one in each of the regions, and the regeneration of deprived areas would have been a high priority. When the government had to reduce the number yet again in order to push its modern gambling law through parliament, the one mega casino immediately took the status of a prototype.

As a prototype the one regional casino allowed by law must be the best possible test of social impact, so that future decisions can be made on the granting of more regional casino licences. Whether Blackpool, as a destination resort, could fulfil that criterion is arguable. Problem gambling is less likely to manifest itself where the majority of clients are gambling as a holiday activity. Whilst this may be an excellent reason to site casinos in resorts, it does not allow for the best assessment of social impact.

It would seem that the social impact of a new style casino with a large number of mega jackpot gaming machines can be best judged by being sited close to a large metropolitan area offering extensive passing trade. The final location of Britain’s first super casino is still some way from being announced and there is time for other considerations, such as political expediency, to hold sway over the outcome. Greenwich Council with its Dome site may be ahead so far, but the other local authorities are far from giving up the race. (E-07.28.06)

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