Small casino operators have failed in their High Court challenge against plans for 17 new regional casinos, according to the BBC.

British Casino Association lawyers said the plans, rejected by the House of Lords, would unfairly condemn existing premises to "second-class status".

The Government said the challenge was without merit and Mr Justice Langstaff ruled against it on all counts.

The UK's first supercasino is to open in Manchester, with deregulation under the Gambling Act from September.

May's High Court hearing was aimed at establishing whether the act discriminates against existing operators, who are allowed far fewer gambling machines than the 17 new venues will have.

Read the full BBC report >>

London’s largest casino to open doors at end of May >>

Casinos to see a fall in income when smoking ban enforced >>

Supercasino rejected by Lords >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.