The British press is still insisting that the eight large and eight small casino licences that could be granted in the next few weeks herald a huge change to the UK gambling scene. A ‘wave of regional casinos’ and ‘giant casino’ are just two recent headlines above articles on the advent of casinos with up to 150 gaming machines. That may indeed be a large casino by British standards but still a far cry from Las Vegas and most other gambling jurisdictions.

Great Yarmouth, one of the Councils awarded a large casino licence subject to parliamentary approval, is keen to get planning underway. The casino development has been on hold for nine months and the competition from prospective developers will bring many benefits to the English seaside resort. Around 1,000 jobs should be created by a casino leisure complex in Great Yarmouth and the multi-million pound investment will give the local economy a much needed boost.

Along the south coast of England the city of Southampton was also awarded a large casino licence. The Council here is planning to consult local opinion before proceeding, even if the result of such a survey would not be binding. As in most of Britain, the public on the whole is not unduly interested in the issues raised over casinos. They take both the scare stories from the casino opponents and the grandiose claims of the developers with a pinch of salt, and say let those who wish to gamble do so and those against it stay away from casinos. (E-01.25.08)

© Copyright 2008 CasinoCompendium



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