UK Minister Wants More Casinos

Backers of a Las Vegas-style super casino for the North East received a boost today after claims ministers now want at least six across the UK.

Before the General Election in May the Government struck a deal to grant just one licence and Blackpool was the hot favourite.

But if ministers go back to Parliament for more the North East will be one of the front runners. Other venues could include London, Brighton and Cardiff.

Super casinos have been proposed in Newcastle and Sunderland and Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has teamed up with the world's biggest casino operator, Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage, for a casino and hotel complex with conference facilities next to St James' Metro Station.

Legislation agreed before the election would allow licences for 17 casinos around the UK, including one super casino, eight medium-sized casinos and eight smaller ones.

But there was speculation today that ministers are now planning to ask for at least six in areas needing regeneration.