Stanley’s Casino workers have voted to accept an improved pay offer of 3. 5% or £600 a year, whichever is the greater, avoiding the threat of Britain’s first ever strike action by casino workers.

Stanley’s staff will get the back pay due to them since the anniversary date of 1st May 2005 in their next pay packet.

An earlier offer of 3. 2% pay offer was overwhelmingly rejected by the staff at Stanley’s 41 casinos in England and Scotland who indicated a willingness to be balloted for official industrial action.

Mick Ainsley, GMB Organiser said, “This improved pay deal is a step in the right direction but does not low pay in the gaming industry. There is still lots to do to achieve the a just share of the profits form this industry for the people who create the wealth, the casino staff.”

Contact: Mick Ainsley, GMB Organiser on 07974 250947 or Rose Conroy GMB Press Officer on 07974 521823.

Notes to Editors:

1 Stanley’s turnover £178m (at 2 May 2004), Profit before goodwill, interest and tax £26. 0m (at 2 May 2004) www.stanleycasinos.com

2 *Guardian Saturday 4th June 2005.

3 Stanley’s operate casinos in 41 towns and cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne, Blackpool, Derby, London, Luton, Leicester, Great Yarmouth, Margate, Liverpool, Wirral, Lytham St Anne’s, Southport, Bolton, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry, Birmingham, Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Torquay, Brighton, Reading.

4 Stanley’s recently sold off their 624 betting shops to William Hill for £505 million. Stanley’s report a profit of £26 million in their latest accounts (2004) and is hoping to expand its business into mega casinos when the legislation allows.