Last updated at 13:51, Saturday, 19 September 2009

NIGHTCLUB king Rick Lucas says he is pleased with the general reaction to his casino plan.

Mr Lucas revealed earlier this week that he intends to open a casino on his Princess Selandia pleasure ship.

The casino would open a four nights a week and feature games like roulette and baccarat.

The plan has been broadly welcomed in the town although the church has reservations.

Anglican vicar Stuart Evason fears it might tempt people who can’t afford it to gamble.

Mr Lucas is due to meet Gambling Commission officials and Barrow Borough Council chief licensing officer Phil Newton next week to pursue his plan.

Mr Lucas said: “It is not our intention to cause distress to anybody (with a casino). It is just a gambling facility, no different really from the likes of putting bets on horses or the dogs and this sort of stuff.

“People do have the choice.

“I am glad to see there has been no put down on us as long as it is run correctly.

“It can only make Barrow a better place to come to in a roundabout way.

“The feedback I have had from people has been pretty good. It has not been derogatory.”

Mr Lucas said he understood what the vicar said but believes people should have the choice to go to a casino, to use slot machines, to play poker and to take part in other forms of betting.

First published at 10:39, Saturday, 19 September 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk