BLACKPOOL is in the money after being earmarked by Ministers for Britain’s first super-casino – The Sun can reveal.
Initial talks have begun between the Government and local council bosses over a mega casino and leisure complex for the famous seaside resort.
Operators bidding to run the casino would sign up to a ‘social wealth fund’ as part of a condition of the licence – which would pump millions into skills training and education locally.
The talks come twelve years after Blackpool’s dream to become the home of Britain’s first super casino were dashed.
In 2007 the Casino Advisory Panel, set up by New Labour to determine where the nation’s first mega casino should go, gifted the lucrative licence to Manchester.
The Panel dismissed Blackpool Council’s bid to become Lancashire’s Las Vegas, killing hopes of 3,400 new jobs.
And Manchester’s mega-casino never got off the ground.
Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse Minister said: “Blackpool is a phenomenal resort which has huge potential for growth.
“It is early days but this would be a very exciting project that would create a world-class attraction.
“It would be a major investment in the area which would bring additional visitors to Blackpool, create new jobs for local people and pour millions of pounds worth of investment into education and skills training.”
Sources yesterday added that amid spiralling concerns about gambling, Blackpool’s mega casino would be “one of the most regulated gambling spaces in the country”.
Blackpool’s fame as a seaside destination dates back to the late 19th century when thousands headed to the Fylde coast to the promenade for donkey rides and a trip to the theatre.
A shift in tastes to foreign breaks sparked its decline.
The government has pumped in £70 million-worth of funding for regeneration and job creation since 2010.
