No Favourites In Race For UK Super Casino

Richard Caborn, the Minister for Sport and Gambling, has said that there is no front-runner inthe race to become host to the UK's first supercasino, as he appointed the panel to decide where 17 casinos created by the new Gambling Act will be located.

The board's decision will affect entertainers across the country looking to perform in one of the new sites, which, as revealed in The Stage, will all have the potential to host live entertainment. In particular, the one regional casino, or super casino, is expected to represent a significant source of work for light entertainers.

Commenting on the appointment, Caborn said: "I'm pleased to be able to appoint a panel with such a wealth of experience. This is a unique and important role. It will require them to observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity. Our priority is to get a proper assessment of the social impact new types of casino will have, particularly on problem gambling. I know there has been a great deal of speculation over the location of the new regional casino. This isn't surprising given the regeneration benefits it will bring. But the appointment of this panel shows there are no favourites or front-runners. The slate has been wiped clean and every local authority will have the chance to make its case."

The Casino Advisory Panel, which will be chaired by Stephen Crow and includes ChristopherCollison, James Froomberg, Neil Mundy and Deep Sagar, who are experts in a range of areasincluding planning, finance and regeneration, will start work on October 3 and will report on its decision by the end of 2006.

Based on the panel's advice, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport will specify the locations for the 17 new casinos - one regional, eight large and eight small - at the beginning of 2007.

Glasgow and Birmingham both recently announced that they will bid for the right to be home to the one regional casino. Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and various London boroughs are all among those also expected to make formal applications.

Wherever the casinos are located, they are expected to help create jobs and bring significantinvestment to the region. A survey recentlycommissioned by Glasgow City Council revealed that a regional casino in the Scottish city would generate £200 million for the area's economy.