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Millennium Dome is supercasino frontrunner
The O2 – formerly the Millennium Dome – in Greenwich, London, has emerged as frontrunner in the competition to host the UK’s first regional, or super, casino.
The Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) announced the results of its first round of judging, with the former Dome site, backed by Anschutz Entertainment Group, being identified as the leader.
Eight venues, whittled down from an original 27, are vying for the contract and the suitability of each bid is judged on eight criteria – including social impact, need for regeneration, unique characteristics and community benefits – with 10 points being awarded for each.
Greenwich was awarded 67 points, with Glasgow in second place with 66 and Blackpool in third with 65. Sheffield got 62 points, Brent and Newcastle both received 58 and Cardiff and Manchester got 57.
The decision has reignited controversy due to deputy prime minister John Prescott’s visit last year to Philip Anschutz’s ranch in Colorado, US. The Financial Times quoted shadow culture secretary, Hugo Swire, as saying: “Greenwich are in the unenviable position where if they are successful, their competitors will cry foul because of the unprecedented access to the government enjoyed by the Dome’s owners.”
The final recommendation regarding the location of the supercasino will be made to culture secretary Tessa Jowell at the end of the year, along with venues for the eight large and eight small casinos.
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