Hilton eyes Blackpool for

Hilton has confirmed that it "has been talking for a while" with local government officials in Blackpool about a casino in the north-west of England resort town.

But the group has stressed the town is not the only possibility being considered, although Blackpool is the site it is "taking most seriously".

The super-casino proposals have sparked a fierce debate both in the press and Parliament, and there have been fears such a move will simply fuel people's addiction to gambling.

With this in mind, Hilton has said it will only go ahead if the number of huge casinos is capped.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has indicated there might be about 20 to 40 such venues.

Hilton in turn has suggested even that might be optimistic, arguing there is probably only room for about four or five in the UK.

by Nic Paton

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