The Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) has decided to announce an additional period for further submissions by those authorities not shortlisted. CAP is prepared to extend the shortlist should any local authority produce information that justifies its inclusion. The move is to ensure that there is a level playing field for all the bidders and to take into account the wider public interest. However, any new submissions must comply with eight detailed requirements.

Yesterday CAP revealed that the super casino proposal for the site of the Dome in London is the front runner of the eight shortlisted submissions. This is the project where Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has caused controversy over meetings with developer Philip Anschutz. Should this site go on to be the successful contender to host the super casino, then other applicants are likely to express concern about the transparency and fairness of the licensing process, however legitimate its case.

Blackpool, previously thought by many to be ahead of the field, is apparently only third. Second placed Glasgow could possibly end the winner if the Government decides to rule out the Greenwich bid as too compromised, in order to avoid further controversy. The local authority bids were judged out of ten points on eight different tests. The Dome site (now called O2) scored 67 points in the initial assessment, Glasgow 66 and Blackpool 65. Sheffield is lying fourth on 62 points and Newcastle tied with Brent (which may withdraw its application) with 58. The final two shortlisted authorities, Manchester and Cardiff were each awarded 57 points.
(E-07.25.06)

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