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Manchester supercasino challenged by MPs

06/02/2007

Manchester's recent win on the supercasino jackpot risks being undermined by a House of Commons early day motion.

A number of MPs are urging the government to reconsider the Casino Advisory Panel's decision to award a supercasino license to Manchester, which hopes to build the Las Vegas-style gambling palace in the east end of the city.

Blackpool was one of the main losers in the decision as it was depending on the supercasino to play a vital part in the resort's regeneration.

So far, 18 MPs have signed to motion, which says there is an "overwhelming" case for regeneration in Blackpool. The MPs want the government to reconvene the scrutiny committee, which examined the draft gambling bill, to re-assess the panel's report before a final parliamentary vote takes place.

The motion states "surprise and regret" that the panel did not recommend a licence for Blackpool "whose case for regeneration is overwhelming and which matched the key criteria set for the panel".

While many have welcomed the possibility of a supercasino in Beswick, east Manchester, others have expressed concern that it will result in the growth of gambling problems in an area that is already financially deprived.



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