Last Thursday the largest casino in Britain opened in London’s huge shopping mall next to the Olympic Park. The first of the so-called ‘large’ casinos sanctioned by the Gambling Act 2005 has beaten visitor estimates over the first three days of operation, welcoming 30,000 people through its doors that are open around the clock. It seems that staff from local restaurants and bars, as well as taxi drivers and others working anti-social hours, appreciate somewhere to unwind when finishing their shifts – there is little other entertainment open all night.
According to manager Richard Noble, the Aspers casino will attract over 4 million people into the Westfield shopping mall and even more into the Newham area. 70% of the 440 jobs created are filled by local residents and the casino will contribute £1 million annually in fees to Newham Council on top of the £5 million already paid. Noble comments that Aspers wants to change the misconceptions about casinos and that a safe environment is provided for responsible gambling.
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The other seven ‘large’ casino licences are in various stages of allocation. Up in Leeds the City Council’s executive board last month approved the policy for awarding the licence following public consultation. In January the policy document will go before a full Council meeting and, if approved, applications will be invited from prospective casino developers. Leeds already has four smaller casinos and so far no preferred location for the large casino has been decided. (E-12.07.11)
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