College Gambles On Casino Classes

Students are getting the chance to train as super croupiers in Britain's first gaming academy.

Blackpool and The Fylde College has built its own training Casino which will be opened officially in February 2006.

Courses ranging from GCSE to foundation courses for degrees will be available to students over 18.

Blackpool Council hopes the resort will be granted a super casino under the government's gambling law reforms. The college aims to capitalise on this.

Students will take courses in Roulette, Blackjack and Poker with some training as super croupiers and others as slot machine engineers.

Academy manager Colleen McLaughlin said: "We want our academy to be a one-stop shop with training for all gaming industry requirements under one roof. Students will be working in a 'real life' casino covering every function from the start of play to the close of business."

The project has been backed by gaming company Gala Casinos.

Chris Clarke, regional operational director for Gala Casinos, said: "Recent and forthcoming legislative change means the industry is changing rapidly. Part of that is educating people to work within the industry which makes our relationship with Blackpool and The Fylde College vital."