Resort 'first choice' for casino

In a poll 38% said Blackpool was their preferred location

Blackpool has been voted the number one choice for Britain's first supercasino, an opinion poll has suggested.

The survey showed more Londoners would like to see the casino built in the Lancashire resort than on their doorstep at the Millennium Dome.

The poll of 1,036 people was carried out on behalf of the resort and presented to the Casino Advisory Panel.

Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff and Sheffield are also bidding for a licence to build a supercasino.

A public hearing is being held in Blackpool by the government's advisory panel.

Casino bidders Blackpool Greenwich Manchester Sheffield Cardiff Newcastle Glasgow

Hearings have already been held in the other bidding destinations.

According to the survey, 38% said Blackpool was their preferred location, 14% Greenwich, 10% Manchester, 7% Brent, 6% Glasgow, 4% Sheffield, 4% Newcastle and 3% Cardiff.

Ten per cent said none of the above. Brent has since withdrawn its bid.

The supercasino will be the only venue in the UK permitted to have up to 1,250 unlimited jackpot gaming machines.

Other large casinos will be permitted under the new laws.

Blackpool Council chief executive Steve Weaver told the panel: "Blackpool is a resort destination.

"A regional casino will be the initial and key catalyst to transform the area from a resort in decline into a resort with a world-class offering.

"Our heritage is in tourism and it is clear from the poll that the public want to come back to Blackpool.

"The casino will be the catalyst for that transformation."