The House of Lords has approved Swansea to be one of the locations for the new 16 casinos planned across the country.

After the scrapping of the proposed super-casino in Manchester, it was also feared that the 16 new regional casinos would also be scrapped.  However the government is going ahead with the plans for the new casinos.

Swansea Council have been granted permission to issue a small casino licence which will allow a maximum of 80 gaming machines on its premises.  The actual location of the casino in the city hasn’t yet been decided but the council will welcome proposals by casino operators.

The new casino will have a customer area of between 750 and 1,500 square metres and will be granted to offer a range of facilities.

Betting machines will be allowed to offer a top jackpot of £4,000.  However, bingo will not be permitted.

Phil Holmes of Swansea Council said, “This is terrific news for Swansea as it could generate significant investment and new job opportunities.

“We made a first-class case to land one of the new-style licences and the House of Lords decision now means its full steam ahead as we look for the most suitable operator for Swansea, based on factors such as job creation and potential to spark regeneration.”

Casino operators interested in bidding for the casino will be required to illustrate how their proposals will benefit Swansea.

Local issues, design, location, protection of children and the vulnerable together with crime prevention will all be issues the operators will be asked to consider.

Mr Holmes continued by saying, “This new licence represents a huge chance for Swansea to further grow its leisure and entertainment offer, and will be another boost for tourism in the area.

“At the same time, however, it’s also important we ensure there’s better regulated gambling in Swansea in line with the new Gambling Act which looks to protect the young and vulnerable and to ensure gambling isn’t a source of crime.

“This news represents a major chance to put Swansea on the map and generate lasting employment and regeneration.”

It is likely that a number of casino operators will show an interest in opening a new casino in the South-Wales town.

A spokesperson for the Rank Group, owners of Grosvenor Casinos said, “Our experience of operating a casino in Swansea over many years has meant we have a firm understanding of the city’s commercial and community needs and has given us the ability to develop both enduring and firm relationships with the local police and Swansea Council.

“We believe the opportunity to licence a small casino under the new legislation is a welcome opportunity for Swansea.

“However, any decision on how to take forward the award of the licensing opportunity will need to address what the likely effect of a brand new casino will be on the existing casino market in the city, and whether there will be a net benefit for Swansea.”

The seaside resort of Blackpool which lost out the now defunct super-casino licence to Manchester, was given some renewed hope.  The House of Lords have said gambling licences could be given to the town if other local authorities that have been granted casino licences don’t show interest in opening new casinos.

Source:http://www.onlinecasinopress.co.uk/