EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Casinos and regeneration: the story so far

Casinos and regeneration: the story so far

Introduction

This briefing note discusses the decision, announced by the Independent Casino Advisory Panel, that Manchester would host the UK’s first supercasino. It then assesses the relationship between casinos and regeneration generally.

Description

The focus is on the regeneration issues surrounding casino development. A brief history of legal gambling in the UK and summary of the 2005 Gambling Act is included, and the role of the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) outlined.

Other cities that applied for supercasino licenses are listed, and the criteria for successful bids discussed. The top scoring bids from Manchester, Blackpool, Greenwich, Cardiff, Newcastle, Sheffield and Glasgow are detailed, and evidence examined regarding the links between casinos and regeneration.

Both positive and negative economic impacts are discussed highlighting the impacts of supercasinos on tourism, leisure, property prices, displacement of consumer spending, and employment. The possible social impacts are also considered.

Background information

The research project was carried out to look at the bidding process and selection criteria, investigate the risks and benefits of supercasinos, and to help Manchester to maximise the regeneration benefits of the supercasino development.

Methodology

The study was based on a review of research:

on the impacts of regional casinos,
supercasino submission documents,
case reviews,
news reports,
a study of casino-led regeneration in Atlantic City,
and other relevant literature.

Conclusions

Some lessons for Manchester in order to maximise the regeneration benefits of a supercasino include:

the need to produce a clear plan;
link local people to casino jobs;
tackle gambling addiction;
help local businesses to help them benefit from the casino;
and consider a local levy on casino operators to cover the potential social costs such as policing and gambling problems.

Contact info

IPPR Centre for Cities
30-32 Southampton Street, Covent Garden
WC2E 7RA London
United Kingdom
Ben Harrison (Team Administrator), tel. +44 207 470 6100

Publication date

Project finished

15/02/2007

Researcher

Ben Harrison

Links

Visit the IPPR Centre for Cities website

Download the "Casino regenerations" Report (PDF, Eng, 250 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Keywords

Urban economy