British
Casino Sites Could Leap
As reported by the UK Guardian:
"The steadily rising number of casinos
in Britain could leap by more than 50% to 211
sites, even before next-generation gaming licences
have been granted under the Gambling Act, the
Guardian has learned.
"Thirty-nine
applications for new casino licences have been
filed so far this financial year with the Gambling
Commission under the old regulatory regime -
already close to double the number in 2004-05.
A further 12 applications have progressed to
full hearings at the commission while 21 additional
sites have licences but are not operational;
some of these are thought to be dormant and
others under construction.
"Stanley
Leisure, which is Britain's largest casino group
with 41 sites, said this week it had five applications
approved by the commission, two awaiting approval
and one dormant licence.
"Recent
applicants are also believed to include new
operators such as Thistle Hotels, which is owned
by Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan. The
hotel group is thought to have applied to develop
casinos in 16 properties, including London hotels
Thistle Victoria, Thistle Hyde Park and Thistle
Marble Arch. Nightclub operator Luminar has
expressed an interest in introducing casinos
into some of its larger venues while Gala, one
of Britain's largest casino operators, has talked
of converting some bingo halls into casinos.
"Culture
secretary Tessa Jowell expressed her concern
at the spate of applications and imposed a cut-off
date of April next year for submissions under
the old legislation…"
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