In a surprise turnaround, British PM Gordon Brown has swung government policy regarding the planned Las Vegas style casino in Manchester.

In January 2006 the city beat other contenders in winning the rights to build the UK's first ever ‘super casino’ as part of the planned expansion of that country's casino industry.

It was hoped that the new development would increase Manchester's economy and lead to job formation. But the PM has expressed the desire to explore other means to economic growth in the region.

Mr Gordon Brown has stated: "I hope that during these summer months we can look at whether regeneration in the areas for the super casinos may be a better way of meeting their economic and social needs than the creation of super casinos."

The project to develop 16 new casinos across the country will continue as planned and it is seen as unlikely that the UK online bingo industry and players of online bingo games will be affected by the initiative.