Manchester City Council has insisted its bid for a super casino is still ‘on the table', despite Gordon Brown's announcement of a review of government policy. The new prime minister announced last week there was to be a review into the social effects of gambling, prompting speculation that the Government's plans for a super casino, which had been awarded to Manchester, were about to be dropped. ‘The council has had discussions with senior ministers in the past 24 hours and has been assured that the proposed destination casino at Sportcity remains on the table,' said Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese. ‘At the same time, ministers have confirmed they want to take the opportunity of the parliamentary recess to explore all options that would enable us to meet our regeneration objectives.' Culture secretary, James Purnell, has written to the 16 councils on the casino shortlist asking if they still want one of the Government's new licenses. ‘If any of the authorities have had a change of heart, I will not include them in the new legislation,' he said.
