Regional casino facts for kids
A Regional Casino is the biggest type of casino allowed under UK law. People often call them Super Casinos or sometimes Mega Casinos. These casinos are meant to be as large as the big casinos you might find in Las Vegas. The first Regional Casino was planned for the City of Manchester. However, the UK government stopped this plan soon after Gordon Brown became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Contents
Understanding Super Casinos
What is a Regional Casino?
In the UK, a Regional Casino is the largest kind of gambling place. It's designed to be a huge entertainment spot, like the famous casinos in Las Vegas. These casinos would have lots of games and slot machines.
How UK Gambling Laws Changed
The Gambling Act 2005 was a new law that changed many rules about gambling in England. One of the most talked-about ideas in this law was to create "destination casinos." These were meant to be like the big casinos in Las Vegas, and people often called them "Super Casinos."
At first, the law suggested having eight Regional Casinos. But many groups, including those worried about gambling problems, shared their concerns. Because of this, the final law allowed only one of the largest "Regional Casino" types. It also allowed eight "large" casinos and eight "small" casinos, which would be smaller and have lower jackpot limits.
Before this law, the UK had 140 casinos. The biggest one, in Star City, Birmingham, was about 950 square metres. Customers had to sign up 24 hours before they could play games.
Different Casino Sizes
Defining Casino Types
Under the Gambling Act, the government's Secretary of State can decide what each type of Casino means. They look at things like how many gaming tables there are, where they are, and how much floor space is used for different activities.
Regional Casino Features
The "Super Casino" (Regional Casino) was planned to be very big. It would have a customer area of at least 5,000 square metres. It could also have up to 1,250 slot machines, where players could win unlimited jackpots.
Large Casino Features
"Large casinos" are smaller than Regional Casinos. They would have a customer area of at least 1,000 square metres. These casinos could have up to 150 slot machines, but the biggest jackpot you could win would be £4,000.
Small Casino Features
"Small casinos" are the smallest type. Their customer area would be at least 750 square metres. They could have up to 80 slot machines, and the maximum jackpot would also be £4,000.
Where Super Casinos Could Go
The Shortlist of Locations
In May 2006, a list of eight possible places for the Regional Casino was announced. These places were chosen from many ideas sent in by local councils. The shortlisted locations were:
- Wembley Stadium, Brent, London (this place later pulled out of the running)
- The O2, Greenwich, London
- Cardiff
- Blackpool
- Eastlands, Manchester
- Newcastle
- Bramall Lane, East End (Don Valley Stadium) or Meadowhall, Sheffield
- Glasgow (many sites were suggested, including Ibrox Park)
Manchester's Big Win
On January 30, 2007, it was announced that the first Regional Casino would be built in East Manchester, near the City of Manchester Stadium. This decision surprised many, especially those in Blackpool and The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome). These two places were thought to be the most likely winners. However, the people behind the Blackpool bid said they would keep trying to get government approval for a "supercasino" there.
Images for kids
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Bally's Las Vegas, which is in the size category of an English "Regional Casino".
