| | |  | Last Updated: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |  | | | Casino operators rush to open new gambling sites
- Sunday, 4 Dec 2005
Thirty-nine applications for new casino licences have been filed so far this financial year with the Gambling Commission under the old regulatory regime - already close to double the number in 2004-05. A further 12 applications have progressed to full hearings at the commission while 21 additional online gambling sites have licences but are not operational.
Stanley Leisure, which is Britain largest casino group with 41 gambling sites, said this week it had five applications approved by the commission, two awaiting approval and one dormant licence. Recent applicants are also believed to include new operators such as Thistle Hotels, which is owned by Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan. The hotel group is thought to have applied to develop casinos in 16 properties, including London hotels Thistle Victoria, Thistle Hyde Park and Thistle Marble Arch.
Nightclub operator Luminar has expressed an interest in introducing casinos into some of its larger venues while Gala, one of Britains largest casino operators, has talked of converting some bingo halls into casinos. The popularity of gambling is increasing world wide, with the accessibility of online gambling and new casinos being built, players are sure to find their niche.
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