A flutter in the forest?

The UK holiday park operator CenterParcs is reportedly considering introducing casinos to its offering once new gambling laws are brought in. Gambling deregulation is expected to take place late next year or in 2006 and, according to The Times, the group has already appointed consultants to see how it could take advantage of the proposed new rules. The newspaper quoted the company’s chief executive Martin Dalby as saying that a casino would probably be tested at one of its four resorts before the concept is rolled out – and only if research showed a casino would not alienate its traditional family market. He reportedly said: “Part of our appeal is that parents can leave young children in the care of on-site babysitters so they can enjoy an evening together. This would create another activity gor them to enjoy but it would also appeal to the 25% of our customers who come without children.” The group is also reportedly considering looking for a site “somewhere south of Birmingham” for its fifth holiday village. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad