Intelligence/

The Review of Alternatives to Casino-Led Regeneration finds that in isolation it would be challenging for any alternatives to achieve the scale of economic benefits that could be secured through a regional casino, but that there is uncertainty around the extent to which these benefits are truly additional.

The report goes on to say that once potential economic and social costs of a regional casino are included, and a package of alternative options considered, the difference can be reduced and even eliminated.

The review was commissioned by the Prime Minister in July 2007 to examine whether deprived areas could be equally well served by other forms of regeneration, and considered a series of alternative ways to deliver the benefits a super-casino would bring, including retail and commercial development, or housing-led regeneration.

The publication of this separate review comes as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport takes the decision on the future for regional casinos in the UK.

The review concludes that measuring the impact of a casino on local job creation is highly problematic - as is measuring the effect on inward investment and any other knock-on benefits.

The relatively high pay of casino jobs, for example, can attract commuters from outside the area, which would mean that local people do not necessarily benefit, but would still bear the brunt of any risks faced.

The review also found that the risks and costs associated with smaller and medium sized casinos are much lower than those faced by larger regional ones, and are also outweighed by the regeneration benefits.