Think Tank Backs Blackpool Casino

Britain's first 'super casino' should be built in Blackpool, according to a government think tank.

The Centre for Cities said the resort was the area most likely to benefit from the potential regeneration boost the Casino would bring.

But the group - part of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) - warned the policy is untested and is not guaranteed to succeed.

Blackpool and Greenwich are thought to be frontrunners for the licence.

Researchers said the super casino would be good for the Blackpool economy, with the number of tourists visiting dropping by 1.5% to 2% each year.

By contrast, they said Greenwich stood to gain almost 8,000 jobs as a result of the 2012 Olympics and had a variety of other regeneration options.

Despite the regeneration benefits, the research unit said the government's own evidence suggested the super casino was likely to deliver mixed results.

It warned that it could drain money away from local non-gambling businesses and lead to an increase in problem gambling.

Max Nathan, senior researcher at the Centre for Cities, said: "We think Blackpool deserves to win.

"But getting a super casino is not like winning the jackpot - the super casino will not deliver a magical transformation to the winning area."

Mr Nathan warned that the winning bidder must link local people to the jobs created by the casino, and take steps to deal with any social costs.

The Casino Advisory Panel is set to reveal its chosen location for the regional casino - or super casino - on Tuesday.

The super casino will be the only venue in the UK permitted to have up to 1,250 unlimited jackpot gaming machines.

Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff, Sheffield and Manchester are also bidding for the licence.