CR83-p06-Europe W2:SJC-Casino Review 23/8/09 01:42 Page 1
internationalcasinoreview
Napoleon’s feels economic invasion
Profits at A&S Leisure Group, which owns
News
six UK casinos under the Napoleon's brand
in Leeds, Hull, Bradford, London and
Sheffield, dropped by 27 per cent last year.
During the year to the end of September
2008, A&S saw a fall in turnover from
EUROPE WEST £23.4m to £21.5m, while pre-tax profits
dropped from £3.3m to £2.4m.
Doubts over whether small casino
will put Torbay on the map
torbayornottorbay regeneration initiatives to for local people. The
UNITED KINGDOM
With the slump in the economy, the world has changed almost
make Torbay a more exciting £50,000 you have set aside
as much as the British government’s casino policy over the last
place to live. It really puts for this project, and the
With Torbay Council prepar- Torbay on the map with the council officer time
ing to offer a licence for a
few years, all of which is pouring doubt on to the guaranteed
potential to attract significant involved, would I am sure be
small casino between 550
success of the new style casino licences. Phil Martin reports
investment and jobs into the better spent on something
and 1,500 square metres,
on how opinion is split on the English Riviera.
area offering a range of enter- more worthwhile.”
which is estimated to gener- tainment and dining as well as Bye himself said: “The tax
ate around 200 jobs and bring carefully managed gambling regime for casinos has also
£7m into the Bay, opinion is opportunities.” changed so there is less profit
split on whether the project However, mayor Nick Bye for operators, the economy
would be a success. is being told to postpone the has also slowed down and the
Torbay Development idea for 18 months by the leisure industry is having a
Agency is in discussions with Liberal Democrats who hard time. What was on offer
a number of developers and believe that the £50,000 set two or three years ago might
operators regarding the aside this year for the project not be on offer now. But
casino licence. The next stage could be better spent. maybe things will get better
of the process is for Torbay They say that with 10 in a year or two. I always said
Council to consult on its casinos being forced to what we wanted was an enter-
revised gambling policy prior close due to the economy tainment complex, rather like
to the licensing competition now is not the time to bring a cruise ship experience,
getting underway. Babbacombe Beach in Torquay one to Torquay as it would which will draw in high
Information on how the not be the economic savior spending visitors to the Bay. If
Small Casino Premises envisaged. there are two companies keen
Licence application process responsibilities under the hold a bidding process based munity Safety and Commu- Liberal Democrat group on getting the licence then
will be undertaken has been act. It includes guidelines for on guidelines provided by nity Engagement, councillor leader Steve Darling said: we will be in a strong position
included in Torbay Council’s a wide variety of organisa- the government in due Louisa Aiton said:“The council “The Liberal Democrats have to negotiate on those bene-
draft ‘Statement of Princi- tions including adult gaming course, but a decision on takes its responsibility for always been casino sceptics. fits, otherwise we won't.”
ples’, which has been for- centres, bingo premises, when the advert to invite licensing very seriously. The My scepticism has increased. Last autumn the council
mally published for public licensed family entertain- applications is placed has yet protection of and support for The government has also said it was in discussions with
consultation and comment. ment centres, betting prem- to be made. the most vulnerable people is changed the tax regime for six developers with propos-
Under the Gambling Act ises and travelling fairs. Torbay Council’s regener- critical and will form a signifi- casinos, and the UK is expe- als including a permanent
2005 the council is required The public document will ation arm, Torbay Develop- cant part of appraising possi- riencing an economic down- ice rink, a hotel and casino
to publish a ‘Statement of also include details on the ment Agency, successfully bid ble operators during the turn. Given all the above I complex on the harbour's
Principles’ every three years, application process for the to be one of 16 areas in the tendering stage for the small and many others are curious edge, an expansion of the
outlining the procedures it small casino premises UK to be given the opportu- casino. We have always seen to know why you are so hell Princess Theatre and an
intends to follow in dis- licence, including the nity to host a new casino. our casino bid as fitting in bent on this project, when outdoor arena with associ-
charging its statutory bidding criteria. Torbay will Cabinet Member for Com- closely with a wide range of there will be little, if any, gain ated restaurants and shops.
Grosvenor
opens door to
Scarborough to host casino open day
street gaming
electricavenue Casino Leeds, the 24-hour
UNITED KINGDOM venue offers ten state- of-
the-art £4,000 jackpot slot
Following a £300,000 invest- machines and 11 high-tech
ment, Grosvenor Casinos electronic roulette terminals.
opened its first electric The lounge area serves com- fairdoes tising for consultant advisors hub of the Yorkshire coast. For those wishing to learn
casino in Merrion Way, plimentary refreshments and UNITED KINGDOM to sit on their competition With a programme of more about what Scarbor-
Leeds in mid June. offers Sky TV. evaluation panel; more details more than £300m of invest- ough has to offer as a poten-
Featuring a selection of Phil Urban, managing direc- On 24 September Scarbor- about this can be found in the ment from the public and tial location for a 2005 Act
slot machines and electronic tor of Grosvenor Casinos, ough Borough Council will advertisement, opposite. private sectors in the town, Casino, to learn more about
roulette terminals, the said: “The Grosvenor Electric be hosting an open day for Scarborough, winner of Scarborough offers a fantas- the Licensing Authority’s com-
Grosvenor Electric Casino Casino compliments our exist- potential casino operators, both the Enterprising Britain tic combination of business petition process and to take a
offers gamers the chance to ing customer offering. It offers investors and developers to and European Enterprise and leisure opportunities tour of the town should regis-
play in an informal and visitors the chance to experi- visit the town and hear first awards for 2008-2009, is situ- and unrivalled lifestyle ter for Scarborough’s Casino
relaxed setting. ence the latest in gaming tech- hand the opportunities that ated on Yorkshire’s north east opportunities too. Operator Open Day, with Alex
Based directly beneath nology within a friendly, safe the town has to offer, prior to coast and bounded by the Scarborough is the eighth Richards, Project Officer on or
the successful Grosvenor and informal environment.” inviting applications for the North York Moors National most visited town in Britain before 14 September 2009,
Casino Licence in the Park. Through its renaissance with 5 million visitors to the telephone +44 (0)1723
coming months. partnership and ambitious area per year, a buoyant 384317 or email kerry.levitt
Scarborough is one of 16 regeneration programme, the economy that’s fighting the @scarborough.gov.uk
chosen authorities in the UK town has bucked the trend recession and beating it head The authority is also cur-
that has secured a coveted and image of being a purely on, a short hop from three rently in the process of adver-
2005 Act Casino licence and seaside resort and has trans- major cities, and only three tising for consultant advisors
the search is now on to find a formed itself into a multifac- hours from London. to sit on their competition eval-
first class operator that can eted economy, based on year Scarborough hopes to uation panel; for more details
bring added value to the round tourism, culture, the start the casino application and/or to register interest visit
town’s already proven enter- creative industries and a process in the autumn of
http://scms.alito.co.uk refer-
prising reputation. thriving manufacturing 2009, dependent on the com- ence SBC/RP11171. The
The authority is also cur- sector. Scarborough is now pletion of legislation relating closing date for applications is
rently in the process of adver- considered the economic to the licences. Tuesday 8 September.
6 September 2009 • europewestnews
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