Scarborough Faces Long Wait For Casino

Scarborough is unlikely to get a new Casino until at least next year despite being awarded one of the government's licences for a small venue in January.

The resort clinched one of 16 licences for a small casino offering Jackpots of up to £4,000.

Several operators are interested in the project and two sites have already been given outline planning permission.

But Scarborough Council said it would have to consider each proposal and a decision was not expected until 2008.

After being awarded the licence, Scarborough council chief executive Jim Dillon said: "This decision is hugely important for the regeneration of the town. It is important to stress though that the casino will not change the face of Scarborough, but will add another exciting dimension to its leisure facilities and provide a further boost for the already successful visitor attractions in the area."

The casino in Scarborough will be half the size of those planned for Leeds and Hull, which won licences for large casinos.