Council takes fresh steps towards casino ambitions (From Daily Echo)

Council takes fresh steps towards casino ambitions

2:44pm Saturday 17th May 2008 in

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COUNCIL chiefs are drawing up plans to give the public a say on a Las Vegas style casino in Southampton as early as this summer.

After a series of delays the House of Lords has finally confirmed the city as one of eight authorities allowed to grant a so-called "large" casino licence.

Now legal chiefs at Southampton City Council are drafting a document that will set out what it would require from any large casino.

A revised statement of gambling principles will be put out to public consultation this summer before councillors approve it.

The council's licensing committee would then be free to consider applications from operators and developers.

The council will want a commitment to economic regeneration projects, cash contributions to help those affected by gambling and "rigorous safeguards"

over the health, social and other impacts a casino may bring.

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Tories promised a non-binding public vote on a large casino during their 2007 local election campaign but earlier this year suggested one could be built even if an overwhelming majority said they didn't want it.

Tory Cabinet member for economic development councillor Royston Smith last night said: "We want a meaningful dialogue with the public about whether we should even have a large casino. We will attach considerable weight to the consultation and it will help inform our decision."

He said the council would have to weigh up the "vast" economic benefits a large casino development could bring against residents concerns.

However Cllr Smith said the precise form of consultation was yet to be decided.

A Daily Echo poll in February found our readers were divided with 52 per cent wanting a new casino.

The Government re-introduced its casino plans in February after the Lords last year threw out a legislation package that included a super-casino for Manchester.

The new large casinos will dwarf the UK's current biggest with up to 150 slot machines and £4,000 jackpots.

The council estimates it would create 350 jobs and bring up to £11m into the local economy. The council hopes the Lords' decision could transform the Royal Pier into a luxury gambling and leisure complex within three years. Port owner ABP have said they would consider approaches.

At least ten casino operators have expressed an interest in Southampton.

Ian Burke, chief executive of the Rank Group which own the city's Grosvenor Casino, was quick to welcome the decision and said he would be keen to be involved in the consultation to address any social concerns. Rank has already held talks with city church and faith groups as well as businesses.

Southampton is understood to be one of the most desirable of the locations granted the right to issue a large casino licence. A Rank spokesman said the casino, likely to be part of a leisure complex with other attractions, would be expected to draw punters within a 30 to 45 minute drive.