The rise of the casino resort

Abstract

The Gambling Act 2005 has thrown a potential lifeline to some seaside resorts wishing to use public access casinos as cultural regeneration tools. The general perception that the UK’s seaside resorts are in decline has been addressed by various regeneration strategies. The spatial reorganisation and transformation of resorts through a cultural lens is a popular tactic to recreate place as an environment for consumption, but this may create tensions within host communities. There are questions to be asked as regards the scale, style and representation of this form of leisure activity. Heavyweight regeneration involving moral and values adjustments creates conflict and needs special consideration. The paper argues that the intended regeneration benefits of this legislation will be achieved only through significant engagement with local communities. Taking serious account of their visions for their towns and how casinos fit within those visions is vital.