Glasgow Super Casino Will Bring In Jobs And Boost Economy

A super casino in Glasgow would bring massive benefits to Scotland and raise standards across the service sector, according to the chairman of VisitScotland.

Peter Lederer backed Glasgow's bid in a private meeting yesterday at the city's chamber of commerce with key business leaders and decision makers.

He said a world class Las Vegas-style development could draw in visitors from around the world with potential knock-on benefits for the wider economy.

He said: "A regional casino would bring a huge amount of interest to the country. I think we have a tendency to underestimate the interest it would bring if it was truly world class. A casino is one part of an economic development strategy. If you have an area where it could engender regenerations, jobs and economic development, it could be a major asset."

Deep Sagar, director of the Glasgow Employer Coalition, was recently appointed to an independent panel that will advise the government on the location of the UK's regional or resort-style casino.

Mr Sagar and four colleagues on the casino advisory panel are due to report by the end of 2006.

Drawing on the panel's advice, Tessa Jowell, culture secretary, will in 2007 specify locations for a so-called "super casino" and 16 smaller ones.

Ministers had originally proposed up to 40 super casinos before plans were scaled down to eight and finally just one.

Glasgow City Council has just published a report which said a regional casino would generate about £200m for the west of Scotland economy.

The council survey marked the first time the authority had officially backed moves for a resort casino in the city. Officials said such a regional casino development would create about 4000 jobs and attract two million visitors.

Scotland's largest casino opened in Glassford Street in the Merchant City, Glasgow, last September. Run by Gala, it operates 18 hours a day.