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21 April
2008 Labour's
Casino Plans In A Mess The Government is
facing more embarrassment over its casino
laws. Potential bidders
for the 16 new licences have started to walk away
from the bidding process, just as the legal
framework is finalised. Casino groups
Aspers, Gala, Rank, Stanley Leisure, Ladbrokes and
Genting have all restricted their original bidding
plans. Some casino groups have completely abandoned
their plans to bid. The Casino
Location Order, part of the 2005 Gambling Act, is
due to go before the House of Lords in the next few
weeks where, if accepted, it will become
law. The 16 licences
were created in a shakeup of Britain's gambling
laws and most significantly increase the number of
slot machines allowed from 20 to 80 for small
casinos and 150 for large ones. But hopes that
they would attract millions for regeneration,
create masses of jobs and boost the gaming industry
are now under threat. Last year, after
an 18-month process run by the Casino Advisory
Panel costing £400,000, a last-minute U-turn
led to plans for a Manchester Supercasino being
axed. "The commercial
viability is just not there any more," said a
former bidder, pointing out that Government taxes
take 24p out of every pound of profit. "This has
nearly wiped us out and has made the Government the
biggest shareholder in UK casinos." Land-based
casinos have also been hit hard by the smoking ban
- also introduced by Labour. Players who
before could sit down at a casino table and relax
with a smoke whilst playing blackjack are now
staying away. Many players have chosen instead to
stay at home and play at Online
Casinos. For these
players, UKIP (UK
Independence Party)
may be an attractive consideration as they are the
only main political party to have stated in their
manifesto that they intend to repeal the smoking
ban. Also see:
Gordon
Brown Out By Christmas? |
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