As reported by: This is South Wales
First Minister Rhodri Morgan has thrown his weight behind Swansea's bid as a location for a new casino. The city has already been shortlisted as one of the potential locations for one of the UK's new eight large and small casinos.

Now, Mr Morgan says he is right behind the bid.

He said in a letter to Professor Stephen Crow, chairman of the Government's Advisory Panel, yesterday that Swansea has been undergoing a period of extensive regeneration.

He added: "Such an exciting new leisure facility would provide a major attraction for visitors, stimulate local leisure trade and create significant new employment opportunities. In addition, the development could have a positive impact on particular communities, helping to increase economic activities in areas still suffering acute social and economic deprivation.

"Cardiff and Swansea have put forward first-class bids and I am confident that they will be among the top contenders for new casinos when the panel makes its recommendations later this year."

The Gambling Act, recently passed by Parliament, will allow three new types of casinos to operate in Britain. One regional casino will be permitted, along with eight large and eight small casinos.

The Advisory Panel's task will be to recommend to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport the areas where the one regional casino and eight large and eight small casinos would best be located.
Article By: This is South Wales