Lord Lee of Trafford has told Parliament that Blackpool is the "obvious choice" despite his own city of Manchester being in direct competition for the much sought after single licence.
During a debate in the House of Lords, the Liberal Democrat peer quizzed Lord Davies of Oldham, Government spokesman for culture, media and sport in the Lords, about the process to select a location for the gambling mecca.
He said: "Do the Government appreciate that Blackpool was first in the field and is the obvious choice, and that if Blackpool fails to get the super or regional casino, its future is very limited and meltdown is likely?"
Lord Davies replied: "The noble Lord ...cannot expect me to affirm from this Dispatch Box the virtues of Blackpool in this competition, in which there are a number of competitors. However, he is reflecting the fact that Blackpool made a strong case early on."
Blackpool Council leader Coun Roy Fisher said: "I'm obviously pleased that a member from the North West recognises Blackpool's contribution towards the North West economy."
Meanwhile, a leading gambling expert is also putting his money on Blackpool.
Peter Collins, director for the study of gambling at Salford University, has told internet gambling site www.
intergameonline that he believes it is a two-horse race between the Millennium Dome and Blackpool.
But he believes Blackpool has a
better chance because it is not tied to an operator.