Manchester City Joins Race To Land UK Casino Jackpot

Plans for a £260m gambling complex in Manchester could spark a race to become the north west's "casino capital". Salford and Blackpool have rival plans to cash in on a law change that will allow huge Las Vegas-style casinos in this country for the first time.

But the new Gambling Bill - expected to become law next year - will also set up a commission to stop too many of the developments "swamping" UK regions.

That could lead to bitter rows between neighbouring councils if the Gambling Commission decides to take a tough line when handing out licences.

The Manchester proposal would be sited near the City of Manchester Stadium in Beswick. It would create 1,500 full and part-time jobs and the range of leisure facilities includes a centre-piece casino with 1,250 slot machines and 50 gaming tables, a 2,750 seat sports arena and ice rink, office space earmarked as the regional HQ of major sports bodies, 150-bed hotel, 500 apartments over a new marina and an outdoor sports centre with five-a-side football and hockey pitches.

Eleven companies submitted bids to Manchester city council to build a casino complex. The winner, announced yesterday, was a consortium led by Kerzner International, Ask Developments and Artisan. The bid impressed because the consortium offered to invest the most money, but also because the casino forms just eight per cent of the development - helping counter criticisms the project will do more for Gamblers' Anonymous than the local economy.

Tobin Prior, chief executive of Kerzner's UK gaming division, said: "We believe that a major leisure, casino and entertainment facility in east Manchester can become a significant contributor toward the revitalization of the area. It is a world-class proposal for a world-class city."

Anti-gambling groups intend to fight the proposals. "International research shows that wherever new casinos open the number of problem gamblers rises," said Major Chick Yuill, of the Salvation Army.

Salford Reds Rugby League Club has revealed plans for a casino and 20,000-seater stadium, while land in Worsley and Boothstown has been lined up for a £100m horse-racing track. Blackpool council has said it wants to attract new casinos - but only if there is no competition from Manchester and Liverpool.

Las Vegas-style slot machines will only be allowed in the largest regional casinos. Councils will also be able to stop them opening if they do not feel they are in the best interest of their communities.