Friday, March 24, 2006

As reported by the Blackpool Today: "Dreams of a rejuvenated Blackpool through Las Vegas-style casinos are seriously flawed and could damage the resort's economy, a new study has warned.

"Profits would go abroad, jobs would go to migrant workers and the number of problem gamblers would escalate, according to the independent report by consultants Hall Aitken.

"But Blackpool Council has hit back at the study and says its research shows the town will benefit if it wins the UK's much sought after first regional casino licence next year.

"…The report claimed a casino would not change the resort's pattern of seasonal employment, fewer jobs would be created than anticipated, and more than 6,000 problem gamblers would be generated costing an additional £15m a year to deal with.

"It also claims any profits created would return to overseas shareholders…"