Milton Keynes lands 'large' casino license

THE City is cheering after the announcement that it is to be the site for one of eight 'large' casinos being licensed around the country by the government.

It will be a complex of some 1,500sqm, with up to 150 gaming machines. Jackpot prizes of upto £4000 will be up for grabs -and humble bingo will also be on offer.

A location has yet to be decided. Many believe it should be in the city centre but there are strong views - including from the MP Mark Lancaster - that it should be on the outskirts.

The announcement was not a complete surprise as Milton Keynes was on a shortlist of towns and cities up and down the UK, from Galloway to Brighton, in the running for a 'large' or 'small' casino.

The lesser establishments will have only half the number of gaming machines.

Manchester surprisngly knocked Blackpool and Grenwich out of the reckoning by winning the plum prize of hosting Britain's first ever 'Super-Casino'.