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Blair backs UK casino policy

2007-04-20 17:45:00

Blair backs UK casino policy

Tony Blair has given his full support to the current state of British casino development.

There have been criticisms of the recent decision to award Manchester the country's first 'super casino' license.

Some had hoped that Blackpool &ndash a city with plans for radical regeneration - would benefit from the presence of the enormous gaming facility.

Mr Blair sympathised with Blackpool's plight, calling it "a pity" that the coastal resort had lost out.

The prime minister also, however, affirmed his belief that Manchester's victory was "perfectly justified".

Mr Blair also urged members of parliament (MPs) to "recognise that in a world where there is online betting, where there are huge opportunities for people to bet, that casinos are not something that are against the proper norms of society".

The British government originally planned to grant licenses to open 40 'super casinos' but political opposition forced the plans to be scaled down.

Earlier this week the country's second chamber, the House of Lords, forced a second vote on the issue by MPs and stalled the finalization of Manchester's victory.

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