Newham, in East London, is one of eight councils in England authorised to issue a large casino licence under the Gambling Act 2005. At the end of the first stage of the competition for the casino licence, which closed on 26 May, Newham Council had received expressions of interest from six applicants. Newham is a key regeneration area and is one of the most deprived Boroughs in England. It takes in much of London’s revitalised docklands (including the ExCel International Exhibition Centre and London City airport).

On 5 February 2010 Newham Council commenced the large casino premises licensing process. The licence for a large casino is the only one to be issued in the London area and the Council believes that it will provide a major new leisure destination in the city, bringing jobs and increasing visitor numbers to Newham. A Newham council spokeswoman said:

"Newham council wants to see the casino as part of a wider major leisure and entertainment destination which contributes to regeneration and creates jobs for local people. We are committed to choosing an operator or developer with a proven track record of delivering a project of this scale and with a sufficient expertise in gaming operations and the associated responsibilities."

The six companies to file expressions of interest with Newham Council include Aspers, Genting and Grosvenor. Apollo Resorts & Leisure, Great Eastern Quays Casino and Churchill Lincoln & Mr Roberts are the three lesser known applicants. Aspers has said it would hope to gain the licence and open in the new Westfield Stratford shopping centre in time for the London Olympics in 2012. The winning bid is expected to be announced on 23 December 2010. (E-06.17.10)

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