Super Casino Site Selection Begins

The people charged with choosing where Britain's first regional 'super casino' will be based have been announced today by the sports minister.

Richard Caborn insisted that the independent panel would consider all applications fairly, saying that despite speculation about the site, it would start with a "clean slate".

He also stressed that assessing the social impact of any potential casino would be high on the panel's list of priorities.

The controversial Gambling Act passed earlier this year allows for the creation of 17 new-style casinos in Britain – one regional, eight large and eight small.

Ministers originally proposed setting up of 40 super casinos, but were forced to back down after widespread concern that the plans would lead to an explosion in gambling.

Announcing the panel today, Mr Caborn said it had a "unique and important role" and would "observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity".

Many local authorities are likely to bid for the super casino, as the prize is high – research by Glasgow city council suggests such a casino could create up to 4,000 jobs.

In addition, the study predicted an extra two million visitors a year would visit the city, boosting the local economy by about £50 million.

There are major concerns, however, that building more casinos would lead to an expansion in people with gambling problems, and Mr Caborn addressed this issue today.

"Our priority is to get a proper assessment of the social impact new types of casino will have, particularly on problem gambling," he said.

The Gambling Act 2005, to be fully implemented by September 2007, was intended to replace the existing gambling laws in Britain with a more comprehensive structure of regulation.

Aside from the creation of new casinos, it also brings internet gambling under regulation and creates a new watchdog, the gambling commission, with tough powers for the whole industry.