NUMEROUS expressions of interest have been received by the Isle of Man government from operators who want to establish a second casino.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin told Tynwald this morning that a shortlist would be drawn up by after the deadline of January 31st and the applicants interviewed.

He said that more than 300 companies had been approached or had expressed an interest in setting up another casino on the Island.

The process is continuing despite a number of objections, in particular with regard to the feasibility of a second casino affecting the viability of the Island’s existing facility at the Palace Hotel.