This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/lancashire/6308781.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Think tank backs Blackpool casino | Think tank backs Blackpool casino |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Britain's first super-casino should be built in Blackpool, according to an independent think tank. | Britain's first super-casino should be built in Blackpool, according to an independent think tank. |
The Centre for Cities' backing comes a day before the Casino Advisory Panel reveals its chosen location. Blackpool and Greenwich are the favourites. | |
The group - part of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) - said the resort would benefit more from the casino's potential regeneration boost. | |
But it warned the policy was untested and not guaranteed to succeed. | |
Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff, Sheffield and Manchester are also bidding for the licence. | |
Researchers said the super-casino would be good for the Blackpool economy, where the number of tourists visiting is dropping by up to 2% each year. | |
We think Blackpool deserves to win Max NathanCentre for Cities | We think Blackpool deserves to win Max NathanCentre for Cities |
By contrast, they said Greenwich stood to gain almost 8,000 jobs as a result of the 2012 Olympics and had a variety of other regeneration options. | By contrast, they said Greenwich stood to gain almost 8,000 jobs as a result of the 2012 Olympics and had a variety of other regeneration options. |
Despite the regeneration benefits, the research unit said the government's own evidence suggested the super-casino was likely to deliver mixed results. | Despite the regeneration benefits, the research unit said the government's own evidence suggested the super-casino was likely to deliver mixed results. |
It warned that it could drain money away from local non-gambling businesses and lead to an increase in problem gambling. | It warned that it could drain money away from local non-gambling businesses and lead to an increase in problem gambling. |
Max Nathan, senior researcher at the Centre for Cities, said: "We think Blackpool deserves to win. | Max Nathan, senior researcher at the Centre for Cities, said: "We think Blackpool deserves to win. |
"But getting a super-casino is not like winning the jackpot - the super casino will not deliver a magical transformation to the winning area." | "But getting a super-casino is not like winning the jackpot - the super casino will not deliver a magical transformation to the winning area." |
Mr Nathan warned that the winning bidder must link local people to the jobs created by the casino, and take steps to deal with any social costs. | Mr Nathan warned that the winning bidder must link local people to the jobs created by the casino, and take steps to deal with any social costs. |
Unlimited gaming | |
The Casino Advisory Panel is set to reveal its chosen location for the regional casino - or super-casino - on Tuesday. | The Casino Advisory Panel is set to reveal its chosen location for the regional casino - or super-casino - on Tuesday. |
The panel is made up of five members, including experts in planning and regeneration, and led by Professor Stephen Chow. | |
Under the guidelines, the casino must address a need for regeneration in the chosen area, which is likely to have high levels of unemployment and social deprivation. | |
The super casino will be the only venue in the UK permitted to have up to 1,250 unlimited jackpot gaming machines. | The super casino will be the only venue in the UK permitted to have up to 1,250 unlimited jackpot gaming machines. |