MGM Mirage says it intends to operate large-scale casinos in the UK, after the Gaming Board approved its acquisition of a minority interest in Metro Casinos and granted Metro a Certificate of Continuance to own and operate a casino in Bristol.

British gaming legislation requires that in the case of a change in shareholding, the Gaming Board must approve new participants. Lloyd C. Nathan, managing director, MGM Mirage Development, Europe said: “Should the proposed deregulation create an attractive environment for investment, we will be looking to own or operate a number of large-scale casino operations in the United Kingdom, each of which will require an individual license from the Gaming Board.”

Plans for expansion in the UK were confirmed by Terry Lanni, chair and CEO of MGM Mirage: “We see the UK as a being a significant market in which we will be able to utilise our depth of knowledge and experience to develop large-scale gaming, leisure and entertainment complexes.”

Las Vegas based MGM Mirage, operates 14 casino resorts in Nevada, Mississippi, Michigan and Australia. The Metro casino in Bristol’s Triangle South is expected to open next spring. Details: www.mgmmirage.com