The US billionaire at the centre of fresh controversy surrounding John Prescott has pulled out of a meeting with the deputy prime minister.
A spokeswoman for Mr Prescott said Philip Anschutz cancelled next week's meeting because of media "hysteria".
Parliament's standards watchdog is investigating Mr Prescott's contacts with the Millennium Dome owner - including a stay at his Colorado ranch.
The Dome is among the short-listed sites for the UK's first super-casino.
Mr Anschutz's meetings with the deputy prime minister have led to accusations of improper influence.
'Progress update'
But Mr Prescott's spokeswoman said Mr Anschutz, who is on a visit to London, was hoping to reschedule their talks.
"Mr Anschutz was keen to update the deputy prime minister on progress on the regeneration aspects of the Dome, but given the media hysteria over this last week, he felt it would be sensible to reschedule, which is what we are going to do," she said.
If the meeting does go ahead, it will be the eighth time they have met since Mr Anschutz acquired the lease for the Dome in 2002.
A decision on the final site for the UK's first super-casino is due by the end of the year.
Documents seen by the BBC suggested the two men may have discussed plans to turn the London venue into a casino in 2004.
Mr Prescott says Mr Anschutz mentioned it once during their various meetings and he told the US tycoon he was not dealing with the issue.
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