Operator News
UK – Grosvenor to take on Aspers with Southampton bid
By Phil - 10 March 2014
Grosvenor casino
said it is ‘likely’ to bid for the opportunity to develop a ‘large’ casino licence in Southampton, where it will join Aspers in the race for the licence.
Grosvenor became the UK’s biggest casino operator in terms of numbers of casinos when it bought casinos from rival Gala to take its total number of operations up to 55. It stated: “We see this as a good opportunity and are likely to be making a bid.”
The competition for the casino will begin on April 1 with Aspers already confirming that it wants to redevelop the Royal Pier to the tune of £450m
The first stage of the competition will see operators submit bids with the council deciding which applicants meet their criteria for a second round in the autumn where the plans will be analysed by experts before the council’s licensing committee makes a final decision.
Labour council leader Simon Letts said: “We expect this to be the most competitive large casino licence in the country. We welcome this as it will maximise community benefits.”
