Not Much Of A Gamble *UPDATED*

The DCMS has announced the location of the first casinos licensed under the big-business-and-personal-debt friendly Gambling Act 2005. Contrary to the rather naive expectations of the Tories that Prescott's cowboy antics last year would inevitably mean Greenwich got the gig for the first 'super-casino' it went to Manchester, which at first sight looks like a big outsider. A second's thought reveals a degree of logic and cunning under this:

Firstly, there are going to be more than one supercasino, that's clear, the Government wanted this originally and they're not going to be put off just because no one wants them.

Secondly, this means Greenwich and indeed Blackpool are still on the table, just not now, in the former case because it would just too obvious.

Thirdly and most importantly, Blackpool is the epitome of old Labour, but Manchester is *the* New Labour city. My Mum's a Manc (well, Cheshire-born, but she went to school in Mancheter) and I went to university there and it's radically changed in the last ten years. New Labour, New Manchester. The council leader, Sir Richard Leese, was given his 'K' in last year's Birthday Honours. Last year the Labour Party conference was held there and the streets were cleared, police swarmed around, protesters harassed amid other general pandering to the big B ego (if anyone can find a link to the story I remember from back then that Blair's speech was broadcast to the deserted streets like it was Pyongyang I'd be grateful).

Given that background, the choice looks a whole lot more explicable. Don't forget that there are a whole load more around the country - I'll be examining these for any patterns:

Particular attention should be given to the size of Labour majorities in what are mainly Labour areas at first glance. None are in London and very few in the South-East generally. In case anyone wondering what 'East Lindsey' is, I reckon it's Skegness.

Has anyone got a Google Maps site I can stick them on?

UPDATE

Newham's in East London of course. Doh. Tony Banks' old place. It can't be more than a mile or two from the Dome, actually. More pertinently, since the Government defines 8 'core cities', are any of them except Manchester on that list? If not, I think we've found the next 7 supercasino sites.

UPDATE 2

So only two of the eight core cities of England have been given a casino (try explaining to a Solihull resident that they're in Birmingham and as for Wolverhampton...). What's the consolation prize for the boys who didn't get prizes? Where in BANES can you stick a casino? Bath? [checks their website, it is indeed in Bath].

And beret tip to beachhutman for pointing out that it was Blood and Treasure who reported on the effect of the Labour 2006 conference on Manchester, including the Leader's Loudspeakers.