The Dome Leads Shortlist for Super Casino Sites

The Millennium Dome in South-east London topped a shortlist of possible venues for the UK's first Las Vegas style "super- casinos" it has emerged.

Behind Greenwhich were Glasgow, Blackpool, Sheffield, Brent, Newcastle, Cardiff and Manchester in the eight position.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was rebuked by the Commons standards committee for not immediately declaring a visit to the ranch of US tycoon Philip Anschutz - the man bidding for a license to turn the Dome into a super-casino.

Mr. Prescott has denied being under any undue influence and said he is not directly involved in decisions about the Dome.

London mayor Ken Livingstone has said he was pleased to see plans for regional casinos at the Dome, and in Brent, were going forward. He added: "I am particularly pleased that the panel has clearly looked beyond the recent controversy surrounding the Greenwhich proposal based on the Dome, and has clearly weighed the merits of what is proposed there."

More than 60 local authorities applied for the small and large casino licenses, but only one site will eventually get the go-ahead for a super-casino with unlimited slot machine jackpots. A further 16 licenses for small and large casinos with jackpot limits of 4,000 UK Pounds will also be granted.

The final decision is expected to be handed to ministers in December.