Stanley Leisure Criticizes Casino Association

UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by the UK Telegraph: "Stanley Leisure has threatened to pull out of the British Casino Association over what it sees as a protectionist U-turn by the industry trade body.

"The company, which is one of Britain's biggest casino operators, is outraged by a letter sent by Viscountess Cobham, the BCA chairman, to Britain's 659 MPs in advance of this week's second reading of the Gambling Bill.

"The letter proposes that Category A slot machines - paying unlimited jackpots frequently topping £1m – 'should not be permitted in the UK' for up to six years.

"Previously the BCA favoured such machines but has shifted its stance now the Gambling Bill restricts them to a new type of Las Vegas-style 'regional' casino, with a maximum of 1,250 slots.

"…The BCA is now also proposing that 'membership should be required' to play at a casino and that existing operators be allowed to raise jackpots on their machines from £2,000 to £10,000.

"…However, Stanley, which plans to build a Las Vegas-style casino in Leeds and expand its Star City venue in Birmingham to 'regional' status, sees the BCA's stance as a naked attempt to kill off mega-casinos…"