Aspers Has Eyes on Super Casino

Big gambling project part of strategy to revive Royal Pier

UK casino firm Aspers is preparing a bid for a GBP 330 million casino at the Royal Pier in Southampton. The firm already owns Britain’s two largest casinos and envisions the new project as part of a broad development strategy for the Royal Pier.

The proposed license would allow Aspers to build a casino hosting 150 slot machines and 30 table games. Under British gambling laws casinos in most areas can only host 20 slot machines. However, the Southampton city council has the authority to issue a larger license.

Aspers sees project as good for business and community

Casino executives and many public officials see a large-scale casino project as an effective strategy to revive the derelict Royal Pier area. Said Aspers chief Richard Noble:

“We have been monitoring this redevelopment opportunity for several years and believe that the modern leisure facilities and the socially responsible gaming commitment we deliver to local communities would be a great fit for the Southampton area.”

The casino would offer traditional gambling fare like blackjack, roulette and British poker rooms as well as restaurants and bars which could fit in nicely alongside other leisure amenities on the Royal Pier.

However, the process is just getting started. The city council must first formally agree on the issuance of a new license. After that an open bidding process will begin in which Aspers will have to compete with rival firms.