Shortlist for First UK Super Casino Revealed

On May 24, 2006, UK councils learned if their proposals were on the 'shortlist' as the possible venue for the first so-called "Super Casino". Those appearing on the shortlist will be permitted into the second round of bidding. Sixteen or more smaller venues will also be added to the 134 casinos already operating in Britain, each of which has at minimum of 20 slot machines and play using limited jackpot rules.

Possible venues include Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle Sheffield, and London areas of Brent and Greenwich. These are some of the favorites on the list of potential sites for the new super casino. It was a shock to learn that the Birmingham NEC bid, from the Midlands, was not included in the shortlist.

About 60 councils bid for the new casinos. This bidding process results from legislation which relaxes some controls over gaming in the UK. Until now, casinos could only be built in 53 specific venues each of which are home to over 125,000. The adjusted rules allow any locale to apply for the permits needed to build and operate a casino.

The super casino will be permitted to house as many as 1,250 slot machines and have unlimited jackpots. As many as 17 other smaller casinos are expected to also be approved by the UK governing authorities. The goal is to improve employment and encourage tourists to visit and spend money at the gaming venues.

Opposition to the addition of a super casino and additional venues state that they are concerned about increasing addiction to gambling. Research b the BBC indicates that the number of UK women addicted to gaming is increasing. In 2000, women made up only 2% of the clientele in casinos while today they make up 9% of the participants.