UK Goes Vegas With 'Supercasino'

<p>A license has been granted to the city of Manchester to host the United Kingdom's first "supercasino" -- a 5,00 square meter gambling and hotel complex similar to Las Vegas casinos. However, many in the UK are worried about resulting social problems.</p>

January 31, 2007, 8am PST | Nate Berg

"Although the decision is still to be ratified by parliament, Manchester defeated the two favourites - Blackpool and the Dome - when it was selected by an independent commission for its potential social impact on and regeneration of the area."

"The culture secretary insisted that Manchester would be the only supercasino licence granted during the current parliament. A further 16 large and small casino licences were also announced today, in places ranging from Dumfries to Torbay."

"MPs will probably vote before the summer to allow Manchester its licence, under the terms of the 2005 Gambling Act."

"The culture secretary promised there would be 'no further casinos until proper evaluation over time has been made of the social and economic effects' of gambling. She suggested this would not be before autumn 2010."

"The leader of Manchester City Council, Richard Leese, said: 'This is fantastic news for Manchester and the region. We have always believed that Manchester offers a robust testbed for the successful implementation of this major leisure and tourism development.'"

Full Story:

Las Vegas not coming to UK, says Jowell

Published on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 in The Guardian Unlimited