Brown Sounds Death Knell For Blair's Supercasino

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

13 July 2007

Speaking earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave another hint of the differences between himself and predecessor Tony Blair when he seemed to suggest that the former's 'supercasino' plans may be put on hold.

In January of this year, it was announced that Manchester would host a regional supercasino, the road for which was paved by reforms to the UK's gambling regime put in place by the Blair government.

However, the planned move proved controversial both inside Parliament and out, a key reason cited by the new Prime Minister on Wednesday for a re-examination of the issue.

"I hope that during these summer months we can look at whether regeneration in the areas for the supercasinos may be a better way of meeting their economic and social needs than the creation of supercasinos," he announced.

The casting of doubt on the future of the supercasino - and by extension on the gambling reforms put in place by Mr Blair - has drawn mixed reactions, with faith and anti-addiction groups welcoming the move, whilst the expected backers of the venture, and representatives from Manchester's council and business groups have expressed dismay.

It is thought that a vote on the viability of, and consideration of proposed locations for, 16 smaller casinos will go ahead, but delays are expected as a result of the summer recess.

Mr Brown also unveiled a host of other proposed legislative reforms ahead of the Queen's speech, which has traditionally been the arena for the unveiling of such plans.

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