Independence of UK casino panel questioned

2006-11-13 15:50:42

The five-man casino advisory panel set to make one of the biggest gambling-related decisions in UK history has been hit by the news that one of the group has been revealed to have a major conflict of interest.

The Sunday Times newspaper has reported that panel member James Froomberg, a commercial director at British Waterways, held talks with the head of an American firm known to be interested in obtaining a gambling licence at the Millennium Dome.

Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) currently owns the dome site with a view to building an entertainment complex complete with super-casino. Such plans would be given a significant boost if the advisory panel chose the dome as the site for the sole UK super-casino.

Mr Froomberg has admitted speaking to the head of AEG's UK operations regarding an earlier bid by the group to acquire Wembley Arena, the Times claims. The deal was later called off when a contract for the dome was secured.

Every member of the panel has now declared some form of interest in at least one short listed super-casino location.

A final decision on which venue will secure the licence is due to be made in early December.


© Adfero Ltd