Luck changing at casinos

THE chance for punters to win £1m on a gaming machine in their local casino may not be far away. The deregulation of the industry is expected to open up huge new opportunities for casino operators.

Bob Wiper, chief executive of Stanley Leisure, said: 'We have already introduced automated roulette. The law will need to change, but the day is not far off when we will see £1m jackpot winners in our casinos.'

Stanley edged first-half profits up 1% to £15m, as its bookmaking began to gain from the removal of betting tax. Turnover jumped 37% during the first three months of the new system, and was up 8% overall in the betting division. Bets on soccer matches continued to increase.

Gaming profits fell after allowing for £2m outstanding debts in the London casinos. Dividends rose 11% to 2.1p.