Super casino climbdown
Only one super casino will be allowed to be built in the United Kingdom, following an eleventh hour deal between the government and opposition over the new gambling bill.
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell reached an agreement with Tory spokesman John Whittingdale in order to ensure the legislation was not dropped in advance of the General Election.
Lobbying from cities and towns, including Blackpool, eager to house the site is expected to be intense. The super casino is likely to provide a major economic boost to whichever area wins the bid. Entertainers too are hopeful that the lifting of the ban on live entertainment will open up new job opportunities.
The government climbdown follows an earlier reverse for Jowell. Last year she was forced to impose a strict limit of fewer than 10 super casino sites after mounting opposition to the scheme in Parliament.
The new law will pave the way for the formation of a new Gambling Commission to regulate gaming including internet betting.
Also from The Stage
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- Casino restrictions harm British firms
- Branson in bid to turn Virgin brand to casinos
- Six casino limit
- Gaming bill storm boosts Blackpool's Vegas hopes
- Gambling bill 'falls short' on key issues
- Scrutiny report criticises city casino policy
- Prospective city casino ban raises hopes for Blackpool
- Proposed restrictions on casino resorts with entertainment
- More work for performers as report predicts casinos will double by 2010
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