Hopes For Sunderland Super Casino Are Raised

Hopes that Sunderland could host an American-style super casino have been raised after hints from the Government.

Ministers scrapped plans for eight regional casinos earlier this year to force new gaming legislation through before the General Election – with Blackpool the favourite for the single casino allowed.

But city leaders have been told there is a chance the limit could be removed and are preparing to restart the bid to claim the North East's casino, ahead of Newcastle.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said before the election it would test the regeneration impact of one casino before allowing more to be built.

But reports yesterday suggested the department was preparing to revive the original plans. And Sunderland Council leader Bob Symonds said today: "I would applaud the Government for looking at it again. It's important for the region. It will be a visitor attraction and create jobs and I think Sunderland would have as good a chance as any location."

Regional planners at One NorthEast and at the Regional Assembly want a casino here, but are yet to decide which location to support.

American firm Las Vegas Sands has submitted plans for a £100million development next to the Stadium of Light, while Newcastle United has a deal with U.S. firm, Mirage.

Legislation passed before the election allows the number of casinos to be increased, with the permission of both Houses of Parliament.

But the DCMS has played down the latest suggestions that the situation could change.

A spokesman said: "The Government has made it clear that we're proceeding on the basis that there will be one regional casino. Ministers have expressed that we have no intention to go back to Parliament and initiate a rise in the number of super-casinos. There has been no chance in policy, but we will listen, and if there's a change of mood in Parliament and outside, we would be prepared to listen to it."