The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said it would be futile to try and break the stand-off between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which last month voted against the plans for a Vegas style supercasino, before the local elections on May 3rd.

With parliament on an Easter break until the middle of April, and the start of “purdah” before the May 3rd elections, progress on the issue would be next to impossible. But the DCMS is hopeful progress will be possible after then.

It is an optimistic hope however. Manchester was the surprise winner of a nationwide race to be selected as the country’s first site for a Las Vegas style supercasino, which would allow for over 1000 “unlimited-jackpot” slot machines, after an independent panel approved the city’s bid. But while the House of Commons narrowly backed the proposal (albeit with a heavy whip induced vote), the House of Lords voted against the casino. Both houses must agree before the casino can go ahead.