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Companies Compete for UK Casino Licenses

UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by the UK Independent: "Casino groups had hoped to get their bulldozers going in 2005, concreting Britain to make way for thousands of slot machines. But after the Government cut back on its plans to open up the gaming market, the bulldozers will be standing idle while companies instead go all-out to win the jackpot prize of a new operating license.

"Only 24 new casinos will be allowed after changes to the Gambling Bill - eight small, eight large, and eight 'mega', Las Vegas-style locations. Decisions on who will get what will not surface until late next year. Local councils should steel themselves for some heavy-handed lobbying, and there could be some consolidation among the smaller UK players.

"Fewer mega casinos may be good news for the pub and club industry. But there has been chronic over-capacity and consolidation in the high street pubs arena has to happen. If not, price wars - and binge drinking - will continue…"

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