Excel london could still host a casino

By Tom Derbyshire on February 28, 2008 11:11 AM |

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Despite the official ditching of plans for a ‘supercasino’ ExCeL London in Docklands could still host a large gambling venue.

Culture secretary Andy Burnham identified Newham as one of seven regions which would be granted large casino licences, in plans submitted to parliament this week. The punters’ paradise would have up to 150 machines, a £4,000 maximum prize and between 1,500 and 3,500 square metres of space.

Possible venues include the ExCeL London exhibition centre in the Royal Docks, as well as Stratford City and West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground.

In line with the recommendations of the independent Casino Advisory Panel last year, nine authorities will also be offered small casino licences.

Plans for a supercasino in Manchester have now been dropped due to an “uncertain level of risk”. The city was a surprise choice for the first Las Vegas-style supercasino last January, trumping a bid from The O2 in North Greenwich.

But Newham Council is still polling public opinion on the possible gambling centre.

It was the only region in London to successfully apply for a casino licence last year. Newham set up an independent commission in July to gather evidence of its potential impact on the borough.

A council spokeswoman stressed it may decide not to use the licence at all.

She said: “The consultation is still ongoing, and no sites have been identified as yet. Until the council decides whether or not it wants to go ahead with plans for a casino, it won’t have an idea where that casino would be located.”

Story written by John Hill
john.hill@wharf.co.uk