The Stage

More work for performers as report predicts casinos will double by 2010

Published Tuesday 16 March 2004 at 11:10 by Ruth Gillespie

Casinos in the UK are expected to almost double by the year 2010 - heralding more job opportunities for light entertainers - according to a report commissioned by the British Amusement Catering Trades Association.

Leading marketing consultancy the Henley Centre, which has more than ten years experience in the betting and gaming sector, was instructed by BACTA to predict the economic and social impact of the proposed new gambling bill. Founded in 1974, BACTA represents the interests of the coin-operated amusement industry to national government, regulators and local authorities.

Forecasts have been made for the year 2010, allowing both the industry and consumers suitable time to adjust to the relaxation of the UK’s gambling laws. The study shows that the number of casinos is expected to rise from 122 to 241, including five Las Vegas-style entertainment centres, and employment in the gaming sector to increase by 24%.

Ray Stone, a director of The Henley Centre, responsible for its leisure and gambling consultancy division, said: “For the first time we can see a fully evaluated picture of the government’s proposed new bill. The national figures hide a variety of local impacts which, although they could be positive in terms of new gambling venues, could also be negative in terms of closures of bingo clubs and pubs and their associated implications. It is vital that the government takes into account the full social and economic impact of deregulation and we hope that this report will contribute to them doing so.”

However, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has dismissed claims that pubs, clubs and bingo halls could be forced to close as a result of the increase in the number of casinos.

Spokesperson Anthony Wright said: “The Henley Centre is a highly respected organisation and we are considering the report carefully. However, we don’t accept some of their conclusions and feel they have misappropriated the changes in the law. The new bill simply means removing unnecessary restrictions so casinos can compete in an open market and I don’t think that will lead to a reduction in the number of pubs and clubs. These venues are catering for a different clientele and operating in a different environment.

“The new bill will give responsible gamblers the chance to go into a casino and enjoy live entertainment. This in itself will lead to new employment opportunities for performers and I don’t think anyone need worry about a reduction in work available in pubs and clubs.”

Las Vegas-based giant MGM Mirage last month announced plans to build a ¬£250 million casino development in Sheffield, providing 2,000 leisure-industry jobs. The complex is the latest example of US operators taking advantage of the forthcoming relaxation of the gambling laws in the government’s gaming bill, a draft of which was published in November. Meanwhile, Luminar has been in talks with gaming operators in Britain about converting some if its nightclub sites into casinos once the law is changed.