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Glasgow's casino gamble goes bust Glasgow's casino gamble goes bust
(about 1 hour later)
Glasgow has lost out on its bid to be the host of Britain's first super-casino, featuring Las Vegas style gambling and unlimited jackpots.Glasgow has lost out on its bid to be the host of Britain's first super-casino, featuring Las Vegas style gambling and unlimited jackpots.
The Casino Advisory Panel, which was set up by the UK Government, recommended Manchester be awarded the regional casino licence.The Casino Advisory Panel, which was set up by the UK Government, recommended Manchester be awarded the regional casino licence.
Glasgow was one of seven sites bidding for the venue and was in second place after the first round of judging.Glasgow was one of seven sites bidding for the venue and was in second place after the first round of judging.
The panel recommended Stranraer be granted a licence for a smaller casino.The panel recommended Stranraer be granted a licence for a smaller casino.
In granting the super-casino licence, the panel chose the location it felt would gain the most through job creation and urban regeneration. class="bodl" href="/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/6311009.stm">Ferry town set for casino licence
Glasgow City Council said proposed four sites for a super-casino: In approving the super-casino licence, the panel chose the location it felt would gain the most through job creation and urban regeneration.
Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is clearly a disappointment.
"Fortunately our strategy for growing Glasgow as a major tourist destination was never solely dependant on winning the casino licence.
"We will now redouble our efforts to attract even more investment to the city with the benefits that brings for all."
The local authority said it would not contest the decision.
Mr Purcell said the city would now focus on the bid to win the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Glasgow City Council proposed four sites for a super-casino:
  • An area of former shipyards and warehouses on the River Clyde where a £250m development could be built
  • An area of former shipyards and warehouses on the River Clyde where a £250m development could be built
  • The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre [SECC] where a £162m complex could be sited
  • The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre [SECC] where a £162m complex could be sited
  • Ibrox stadium, home of Rangers Football Club, which has been earmarked by the club and the Las Vegas Sands group for a £120m development
  • Ibrox stadium, home of Rangers Football Club, which has been earmarked by the club and the Las Vegas Sands group for a £120m development
  • St Enoch's East, a central site where a £130m casino may be built close to the city's main shopping districts.
  • St Enoch's East, a central site where a £130m casino may be built close to the city's main shopping districts.
    • When the advisory committee met in Glasgow, Major Ivor Telfor of the Salvation Army expressed concern that a casino's presence would contribute to the normalisation of gambling among young people. Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "This is disappointing news but won't hold us back in the drive to increase tourism to Glasgow by 60% over the next 10 years - generating an additional one million visitors.
    He called for the award to go to the local authority which could demonstrate social responsibility. "Approved developments in Glasgow's new 10-year tourism strategy include Scotland's National Arena at the SECC, a new Riverside Museum designed by Zaha Hadid, the creation of a cultural quarter in the Merchant City and improved access to the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh."
    A report from the Scottish Executive stopped short of backing the bid and said it was up to councils to decide the pros and cons. Ministers were criticised for sitting on the fence.