BIRMINGHAM could miss out on a multi-million pound super-casino because of a secret agreement to build it in Blackpool, a city MP has claimed.
John Hemming (Lib Dem, Yardley) said Labour and the Conservatives have already agreed the first regional casino should go to the north west resort.
Current legislation only allows for one of the super-casinos, which will help to fund major regeneration projects wherever it is built.
The MP was speaking as Coun Mike Whitby (Con Harborne), leader of Birmingham City Council, also revealed he had been told Blackpool had "already won" the race to build a casino.
Mr Hemming, a former deputy leader of the council, said: "There is a sort of Labour and Tory pact that it should be in Blackpool.
"But it is possible the Government could introduce legislation allowing a second casino to be built.
"Blackpool will get the first one, but we could be next. However, this requires new laws."
Coun Whitby said: "Blackpool is a major coastal resort in decline. We are hearing Blackpool have won already. They have got it cut and dried."
The glum predictions from the politicians came after Government officials themselves warned that Birmingham could be faced with dozens of bids for a super-casino if the city is eventually chosen.
They say the council will be obliged to consider bids from every gambling operator wishing to apply. Discussion already taking place about rival schemes at the NEC or Birmingham City Football Club were "wishful thinking", a spokesman for the Department for Media, Culture and Sport said.
Birmingham City Council has come under pressure from other observers to hurry up and decide which of the two rival proposals to support.
The football club has also urged the council to come out in favour of its proposals.
In a vote involving more than 3,400 Birmingham Mail readers last week, 75 per cent backed the Blues plan.
