When the Government thought the super casino issue couldn’t get any more complicated it emerged today that the legal conflict between them and the leading casino groups are only beginning.

The casino industry is pledging to take its fight against new UK legislation to the European courts if it loses a key legal battle this week.
 
A judicial review is poised to rule on whether the Gambling Act - due to come into force in September - discriminates against existing casinos in favour of the Government's planned super casinos.

The British Casino Association, backed by four companies which operate 116 of the country's 138 existing casinos, argues that either all such venues should be allowed to have slot machines with million-pound jackpots or none should. A ruling is expected from the High Court within days.
 
The BCA says that the new rules threaten thousands of jobs and could cost the gaming industry £120m a year in lost profits.
 
Chris Brammer - a senior industry figure who is setting up The Isle, a large casino in Coventry  said: 'This is like saying, let's have two greengrocers in town, but one can sell carrots and one can't. It is unfair competition.'
 
Brammer and others are already gearing up to challenge the decision in Europe if the High Court fails to rule their way.

European Courts were set up by the European Commission to protect the citizens of European Union countries.

Legal experts say that in the European Courts the issue of people possibly losing their jobs as a result of the new legislation could sway the decision in favour of the casino industry.

Advisors to the powerful gambling group may also say the Government is breaking stringent competition laws set up to insure one section of industry does not have an unfair advantage over others.