"A super-casino at the home of Rangers FC yesterday became the first development of its kind in the UK to be granted planning permission. Rangers and their Las Vegas partners, headed by US billionaire Sheldon G Adelson, received approval from Glasgow City Council for their £200m project at Ibrox stadium. However, the scheme is still subject to approval by the government. Mr Adelson, owner of the Las Vegas Sands empire, is the prime mover behind the plans, which
include housing, an entertainment complex with a casino, a hotel, conference facilities and a leisure centre. Rangers and Las Vegas Sands said the project would help restore the fortunes of a rundown area around Ibrox in the south-side of Glasgow by creating more than 1200 jobs."
Nor does the history of Las Vegas Sands offer re-assurance:
"Yesterday's decision to approve the Ibrox masterplan should come as welcome relief to Mr Adelson who was criticised for allegedly "horrific" working practices last year. A dossier on Mr Adelson's business practices and history compiled by Unite Here, an American trade union, listed a host of allegations against him. Andrew Dismore, Labour MP for Hendon, told ministers during the second reading of the Gambling Bill: "Earlier this year, the Nevada Gaming Commission imposed a $1m (fine) on Venetian casino, which he owns, for rigging contests and violating other Nevada gaming regulations. He is in ongoing litigation with the United States Equal Employment opportunity Commission over issues dating back to 1999."
I can appreciate the need for jobs and regeneration but is the development of a whacking great casino the best way of delivering them?
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