According to the latest statistics, more than 9.2 million people visited Southport in 2018, contributing around £590 million to the economy. They are drawn by the area’s seaside setting, their money poured into the coffers of local business owners, helping to drive growth and prosperity within the region.
Southport’s role as a tourist resort burgeoning has naturally led to interest from investors, with many new businesses slated to set up shop in 2020. Naturally, speculation is rife as to what sort of companies might settle here, with many suggesting a new casino might be on the cards, to rival those on offer in Scarborough, Blackpool, and other popular seaside towns.
The rise of the casino industry
Source: Pixabay
In recent years, the UK’s casino sector has gone from strength to strength. It is now delivering a gross gambling yield of £14.4 million, and there are more people playing than ever before, with the industry’s popularity only continuing to rise. As a result, almost half of the people in Britain gamble, making this one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. With 53 percent of men and 44 percent of women having given the pastime a go, Gambling Commission research shows that it appeals to people of all ages and genders across a variety of demographics.
This growth is mirrored both online and off-, and has brought increased innovation and variety in the sector throughout. Those who wish to play bingo and slots, as well as a variety of popular card games and roulette, are finding that they’re able to do so either at their nearest brick-and-mortar casino or on the go.
Such accessibility has only increased people’s appetite for play, and as a result, numerous casinos are setting up shop all across the country. Particularly popular in areas with a strong tourist presence, casino chains are drawn to places where consumers are more likely to spend freely, with holiday resorts being particularly attractive. Meanwhile, bingo-focused companies are expanding their offering, adding food and drink or even additional casino-style games like slots, mirroring online developments. As a result, almost half of the people in Britain play slots real money, making this one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors.
An up-and-coming seaside resort
Source: Pixabay
Given that casinos are thriving, it’s little wonder that popular chains are always on the lookout for promising new locations. Many in the know have now suggested that Southport could be a prime candidate, thanks to its burgeoning popularity and influx of seasonal visitors. Indeed, with most other popular seaside resorts boasting multiple casinos, Southport’s sole gambling destination seems rather spartan in comparison, leading to whispers that one or more providers may soon be looking to set up shop in the area.
For residents and other local businesses, this could only be a good thing, bringing jobs, wealth, and even more visitors to the area, to the overwhelming benefit of all. Not only that, but this would likely complement the recent rise in bars, restaurants, and shops within Southport, to provide a comprehensive spectrum of entertainments for residents and tourists alike.
This is a certainly a trend that’s been seen in other coastal resorts of late, with the popularity of such places likely to boom again in the aftermath of Brexit, when travel uncertainty, poor exchange rates, and a possible need for additional travel documents are expected to make staycations ever more appealing to holidaymakers.
With change and growth undoubtedly on the horizon, it seems that a new casino setting up shop in Southport could be just what the area needs to increase its appeal and cement its place as one of Britain’s foremost seaside resorts.
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