Last year the British government bowed to media hysteria and slashed its original idea of resort casinos to just one prototype in order to get its Gambling Bill passed before the General Election. Prior to that it had placed a limit of eight on Las Vegas style casinos, a better-judged response to concerns raised over allowing market forces to dictate numbers. The Government then made the subsequent retreat to one such casino, with the resultant withdrawal of foreign investors such as Harrah’s Entertainment, which has since announced projects in Spain and Slovenia.

Local governments and city councils in many areas saw their projects for leisure centres, which would have generated thousands of new jobs across Britain and boosted flagging economies, come to nothing - but some continue to lobby for a change in the legislation. In Coventry the new Ricoh Arena entertainment complex was already under construction with plans for a super casino before the Gambling Bill was amended. The council there continues to push for the Isle of Capri to be granted a licence to operate a regional casino. Should the government alter the legislation to provide for eight regional casinos, Coventry would still have to compete with two rival schemes in neighbouring Birmingham, as well as other projects in the pipeline for the West Midlands.

A joint statement has now been signed by 20 local councils, asking the Government to restore the number of licences available to eight. Pressure seems to growing on the Government to reconsider its position, and a cross-party conference is scheduled this week. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has previously stated that the ‘door is open’ for further talks, but that it is proceeding on the assumption of one super casino. (E-01.23.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage