Cash crisis for gambling empire

The Mason Organisation includes amusement arcades

More than 400 jobs are under threat after a north-based gambling empire went into administration.

The Mason's Organisation was put in the hands of accountants following an order made at Leeds High Court.

Grand National-winning trainer Norman Mason, 66, voluntarily petitioned the court for the administration order.

Administrators now have three months to put together a deal for creditors of the Sunderland-based company, which owns a chain of three pubs, eight bingo halls and 20 amusement arcades.

Norman Mason is a Grand National-winning trainer

A spokesman for Leeds-based accountants BKR Haines Watts, who have been appointed administrators, said they were hopeful they could prevent job losses.

He said: "Slimming down the business and selling assets is one option.

"All courses of action are being considered because the administration is in its early days."

Mr Mason, the trainer of 2001 Grand National winner Red Marauder, is a former nightclub bouncer who donated the trophy to the city of Sunderland.

The BKR spokesman said the court hearing followed cash flow problems within the company.

Court order

Five subsidiaries of the Mason Organisation - NB Mason Entertainment, NB Mason Bingo, NB Mason Amusements and the non-trading Northumbrian Entertainment - are covered by the court order.

The club and pub empire is expected to continue trading beyond the three-month administration period, but assets may be sacrificed.

The spokesman added: "The assets more than cover the liabilities.

"This is a temporary hiccup, and the three-month breathing space is to stop creditors seeking legal remedies."

Mr Mason launched his empire with the Savoy Bingo Hall in Southwick, Sunderland, in 1962.