SHOCK claims that Blackpool has won the race to build the UK's first super casino were today dismissed by resort leaders.
A Birmingham MP said that Labour and the Conservatives had already agreed, in a secret deal, that the first regional casino would be in Blackpool.
Liberal Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming was speaking after the city's council leader Mike Whitby reve
aled a decision was already "cut and dried" – leaving Birmingham's own bid in tatters.
But Blackpool's politicians said the claim that a deal had been done was news to them – branding it "speculation".
Blackpool Council leader Coun Roy Fisher said: "It is interesting to hear this, but it is speculation. We have been, and are continuing to, work very hard to press Blackpool's case but we are taking absolutely nothing for granted.
"I do not believe any decision has been made. However we're confident that our submission will be of the highest standard and will certainly impress on the panel Blackpool's need for regeneration."
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden said the speculation could have arisen from when the Gambling Bill was agreed and Blackpool's name was bandied about as the likely location for the first big style casino.
He said: "This is just a distraction. The important thing is for Blackpool to push on with its bid."
Alan Cavill, head of corporate policy and development at Blackpool Council, added that he knew nothing about a secret deal.
He said: "We would like to think we are the obvious choice but clearly we wouldn't want to be in a position of making any assumptions."
But Mr Hemming told The Gazette that he had heard about the pact from a variety of informants.
He said: "I have heard it from so many different sources that it seems to stack up. As it currently stands, there is only going to be one destination casino. If there is a clear plan that the Government is going to put it in Blackpool, it seems daft to make everyone jump through hoops.
"But if it's going to be a fair competition, then it needs to be a clear process."
Coun Mike Whitby told Birmingham City Council cabinet that the decision to build the first multi-million pound American-style gaming centre in Blackpool was already "cut and dried", no matter how hard Birmingham campaigned.
Mr Whitby said Blackpool would clinch the deal because it was a major seaside resort in decline but it was likely the Government would perform a U-turn and allow more casino licences.
Expressions of interest in building the first super casino must be submitted in the new year, with submissions in place by March.
They will then be considered by the Casino Advisory Panel which is due to report back by the end of the year.
shelagh.parkinson@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
