Report Considers UK Casino Options

An independent consultancy has published a report on what it believes the key factors are in deciding where the UK's super casino should be built.

Blackpool is currently the favourite to host the Las Vegas-style complex.

A decision will be made by the government following a recommendation by the Casino Advisory Panel.

The Europe Economics report said large city authorities, such as Manchester, could have the edge on smaller towns in terms of project management experience.

They said hard evidence of demand should be demonstrated and a commercially successful project would be necessary to bring regeneration and other social benefits.

Blackpool Council has put a casino at the centre of its plans to revive the resort's economy.

The Casino Advisory Panel is expected to make its recommendations for the location of the casino at the end of 2006.

Europe Economics have been retained by Manchester City Council, which also hopes to build a super casino near the Sport City complex.

Only one such casino will be built after the government scaled back plans to build several across the UK.