Casino Big Ben

Dome Leads Super Casino List

The Millennium Dome in London came out on top of the list of the Casino Advisory Panel.

Eight locations are vying to get the license to host Britain's first-ever super casino. The Millennium Dome has been a controversial location, given the issues surrounding its owner and John Prescott.

The deputy prime minister has been in hot water over his visit to the ranch of the Dome's owner Philip Anchutz. Prescott has been accused of backing the Dome.

Glasgow and Blackpool came out in second and third in the list respectively.

It has been speculated upon though that if the Greenwich site wins the bid, it might pose legal challenges because of Prescott's meetings with Anschutz. Prescott has also been accused of compromising the casino selection process.

"Greenwich are in the unenviable position where if they are successful, their competitors will cry foul because of the unprecedented access to the government enjoyed by the Dome's owners," said shadow culture secretary Hugo Swire. "As a result of Mr Prescott's actions, the government risks being mired in legal challenges for years to come."

A spokesperson for the Casino Advisory Panel however was quick to dispel the notion that the decision was unduly influenced, as they say it is purely incidental. It was also said that the next stage of judging would be on a "level playing field", completely independent from the first round.