The UK Government's plans to develop a regional casino have been further hit by existing operators who have lodged a legal complaint based on what they see as unfair treatment.
The British Casino Association was granted permission by the High Court to challenge regulations that treat the 140 existing casinos "significantly less favourably" than the 17 proposed new casinos to be licensed under the Gambling Act 2005.
The move comes less than a week after the House of Lords threw out the proposals for the introduction of the new casinos, although the one regional casino was the contentious issue in that case.
The BCA wants all casinos to be treated equally, especially in relation to the jackpots that slot machines can offer and the chance to host bingo and betting.
BCA chair Penny Cobham said: "We are extremely pleased that the judge has agreed with us that there is a case to answer and it is interesting that the government did not oppose our application.
"We have consistently argued that existing casinos would be unfairly treated under the terms of the Act through its inherent inequality and incoherence.
"The additional entitlements given to the 17 new casinos will seriously threaten many long-established businesses and jobs. All we are trying to do is ensure that our businesses and our customers are treated fairly."
The High Court hearing will be held before May 25 to allow time for legislative changes before the introduction of the new Gambling Act on September 1.
