Blair told MP’s during prime minister’s questions that he hoped the government would be able to bring in regional casinos very soon.

Both houses of parliament have already passed the Gambling Act 2005, but the House of Lords threw out the Gambling Order for the super-casino in Manchester, albeit only by three votes.

Speaking about the super-casino Blair said: “Personally I have never seen the reason why we should have pitted Manchester and Blackpool against each other.”