Ladbrokes may reveal plans soon

LONDON, England – As reported by Reuters: "Ladbrokes could announce an interest in running Britain's first Las Vegas-style supercasino when it unveils its 2006 results this week, an industry source said on Monday.

"Last month, Manchester was the surprise winner of a competition to host the supercasino, which although small by Las Vegas standards, is likely to be huge in UK terms, with 5,000 square metres of gaming space, 1,250 slot machines and 2,700 workers.

"'One of the reasons Ladbrokes took full ownership of the Paddington casino earlier this year was to get operationally ready for the new licences,' said the source, referring to Ladbrokes' first recent casino venture, adding that nothing was certain until the government has clarified bidding criteria.

"The group is also likely to broadly outline plans for 16 other casino licences the government will soon make available, said the source. Ladbrokes declined to comment.

"…Ladbrokes could be the only UK company bidding for the licence to run the Manchester supercasino, after privately owned Gala Coral ruled itself out this month, and with Rank keeping its plans secret…"