Leeds Utd lose out in race for casino

The Yorkshire Post understands United’s up-front offer was “significantly less” than that made by Global Gaming Ventures (GGV), the London-based company that was awarded the casino licence by the council.

Club sources say Leeds were determined their bid would not expose them to any unnecessary financial liability – especially at a time when funds are needed to back their on-field promotion push next season.

But United are understood to feel their bid should still have carried the day on the basis of overall value as well as benefits to the community. One source involved in the Leeds bid said: “We believed we could earn the award of the licence.”

GGV’s so-called ‘large’ casino will form part of the city centre’s new Victoria Gate development, formerly known as the Eastgate Quarters.

Coun Rebecca Charlwood, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said: “It is not true that the financial settlement was the only factor in choosing to award the large casino licence to [GGV].

“The outcome was based on a strict scoring criteria set by the licensing committee. GGV scored higher on every criterion except one. As well as financial, the committee took into account social benefits, including guarantees on employment and training opportunities, as well as the benefit to the wider city economy.

“The money received from GGV will be used to set up a social inclusion fund to deliver projects that help address financial, economic and social exclusion in the city.”

Leeds is one of only eight places nationwide given permission by the Government to license a large casino.