Restrictions on where casinos can place their businesses in the UK may be eased if attempts by the casino industry to alter the licensing laws are successful.
According to the 1968 Gaming Act in the UK, there are only 53 ‘areas’ for casinos, including central and west London and towns such as Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Coventry.
Malcolm Moss, chairman of the National Casino Industry Forum, and representatives from Rank Group, Genting and London Clubs International will get together with the Minister responsible for gambling, John Penrose.
Moss commented: ‘Local authorities such as Peterborough and Swindon would like to have a casino, but they are not allowed because they don’t happen to be in the right area. A local casino could generate millions of pounds towards the local community and would generate jobs.’
Other towns that are interested include Thurrock, Essex; Chesterfield, Derbyshire; Cheltenham, Gloucestershire; and Brent in north-west London.
Of the 186 licences that have been issued, less than 150 are being used. The ammendment would allow casino operators to shift unused licences to the market.
The chairman of the National Casino Industry Forum (NCIF), Malcolm Moss, has previously backed plans to build a new casino in Peterborough.
Speaking to Peterborough Today, Malcolm Moss argued that a casino would bring big benefits to the city.
“A casino would have a real impact on the local economy. It would create jobs for local people and benefit other local businesses, as well as letting people gamble in the safest, most regulated environment.”
