Industry News
The Las Vegas-based company aims to capitalize on the government's plans to build 16 new casinos and has hired a public affairs firm in an attempt to influence ministers. The move is revealed in the latest register compiled by the Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC).
London Clubs International, which Harrah's acquired for $568 million in December 2006, is at the center of the expansion plan.
Late last year, Prime Minister Gordon Brown discarded Blairite plans for a super casino based in Manchester, but the government is pressing ahead with plans to build a further 16 gambling centers. These plans were officially approved by the House of Lords, the upper House of Parliament, on 15 May.
Eight huge casinos - allowed to provide up to 150 slot machines offering jackpots of up to £4,000, or $10,000 - will now be built in Leeds, Southampton, Great Yarmouth, Middlesbrough, Solihull, Hull, Milton Keynes and Newham, according to experts.
Other casinos are planned for Somerset, Dumfries and Galloway, Scarborough, Wolverhampton, Swansea, Luton, Torbay and East Lindsey.
"The UK casino industry faces unprecedented issues and threats from government and regulators. As industry leaders in responsible gaming, Harrah's Entertainment and London Clubs International are engaging in the gaming public policy debate to ensure the regulatory and policy environment is balanced for customers, the communities where gaming is located and the industry alike," said Jan Jones, senior vice president of communications and government relations at Harrah's Entertainment. "We are delighted to have appointed Insight Public Affairs to advise us in the U.K; they have an unparalleled strategic grasp of the issues and knowledge of the policy environment, and we look forward to working with the team."
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