Casinos plan 'blow' for Glasgow

The number of "super casinos" has been reduced to just one

The political deal to scale down plans for eight "super casinos" in the UK to just one has been described as a tourism blow for Glasgow.

The agreement was reached between the government and the Tories so that the Gambling Bill can become law before the UK Parliament is dissolved next week.

Glasgow had been bidding to land one of the "super casino" licences to attract visitors and create thousands of jobs.

The city's chamber of commerce said it was a "blow" to those aspirations.

Chief executive Dr Lesley Sawers added: "Even if the initial licence goes to Blackpool at this time, it is vital that Scotland continues to actively pursue any possibility of future licences that might become available."

Political lobbying

The government's Gambling Bill originally included plans to allow an unlimited number of regional "super casinos", with up to 1,250 slot machines.

That was reduced to eight following pressure from Labour backbenchers and charities.

The SECC, which is beside land tagged for the casino development

Plans were unveiled in July last year for a casino resort as part of a £562m proposal to redevelop an area at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre beside the River Clyde.

The broader project - called QD2 - includes a "sustainable urban village" including housing, a primary school and 1,500 homes.

On the south side of the Clyde, Rangers FC announced plans in March 2004 for a £120m entertainment complex beside its Ibrox stadium.

This comprises a casino, flats, sport and health facilities.