Casino Search Now

Glasgow Still a Strong Contender for Super Casino

Glasgow could very well be the site of a super casino after the city made it to the eight-city shot-list in the United Kingdom. The Las Vegas Style super casino would be the first super casino ever built in the UK.

The city council bumped out West Dunbartonshire and Midlothian in the bid to be the representative location for Scotland. However, it still has fierce competition in the form of Wembley and the Millennium Dome in London, Blackpool, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Sheffield. The super casino will be sure to attract customers in droves as it will be housing 1,250 gaming machines with unlimited jackpots.

Those in favor of the super casino to be built on Glasgow say that the super casino would be creating almost 3,000 jobs and will bring the flow of an estimated 215 million to the area. Within Glasgow, the candidate locations include harbour area, Ibrox Stadium, St Enochs and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

However, some authorities, charities and local citizens alike have voiced concerns about the rise in gambling problems in the community. One such charity, GamCare, has already reported an increase in those seeking their help with problem gambling. There was a 41.3 increase in 2005 compared to the figures in 2004.

"We already have huge problems in relation to drink and debt and gambling addiction, with thousands chasing an elusive dream. A casino of this nature will only add to our problems, not solve them," Tommy Sheridan, an SSP MSP for Glasgow said.

However, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was quick to allay the fears of concerned parties by referring to the new gambling legislations that would enter the picture in time with the creation of the super casino. She said that these laws would be put in place to avoid causing such problems. She said casinos could be shut down if they are found to be the cause of social problems.

"We will have the most protective legislation in the world," she said of the updating of the local laws regarding gambling.

But many others are hopeful about the project. Coucillor Steven Purcell of the Glasgow City Council said: "We're in it to win it Glasgow is one of Europe's most exciting locations and is a great place to visit, live, work and do business." In his opinion, a super casino would benefit all of Scotland.

The winning bids for the super casino are expected to be announced by authorities at the end of this year.