Odds shortening on Stranraer casino bid

Aug 11 2006 Dumfries & Galloway Standard

THE REGION’S on-course casino bid is set to be beefed up.

The council is keen to build on developments that have thrust Stranraer into a position that has boosted hopes the port could be successful when licences are handed out.

The latest rankings from the Casino Advisory Board short list put Stranraer in eleventh slot for the large and small casino licenses.

Sixteen are on offer.

Now the council is putting the finishing touches to a further submission to the board ahead of the final decision which will be made in December.

That is expected to concentrate on three areas — regeneration work already completed in and around the town; the fact investors have already shown considerable interest in the project; and community support which is a key strength of the bid.

There are 31 bidders from all parts of the United Kingdom still in the hunt for a licence.

Dumfries and Galloway is keen to get a large casino but has indicated it would settle for a small one. Both limit jackpots to £4,000.

So far it has amassed 49 points out of a possible 80, the same as Milton Keynes and Middlesbrough. East Lindsey is topping the list with 59 points.

The board has asked for extras submissions to back up the bids as soon as possible.

Securing a casino licence is seen as a major boost for the waterfront development at Stranraer.