30-01-2007 Ladbrokes states its interest to operate Manchester's supercasino

The UK bookmaker issued a statement following the decision by the Casino Advisory Panel to recommend Manchester as the location of the UK's first Las Vegas-style supercasino.

The Panel also announced the locations for eight 'large' and eight 'small' casinos in the UK. "We are already actively assessing opportunities in the locations recommended for small and large casinos and, together with our partners, including Hilton, expect to bid to operate for a number of these new licences," commented Alan Ross, Managing Director of Ladbrokes' European retail and casino operations.

Elsewhere, Leisure & Gaming announced that its subsidiary, Betshop Italia, has been awarded a further 11 Italian betting licenses, bringing its total number of new licenses to 58. Chief Executive Henry Birch said: "These additional licences will further contribute to the expansion of our product offering in Italy and Betshop's growth opportunities in this fast developing market."