A Malaysian billionaire has secured 28 per cent of all casino licenses granted in the UK in the last two years, it has been revealed. 

Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan obtained 25 out of the 89 casino licenses awarded in Britain since 2005, according to the Business magazine. 

Part of the Hong Leong group, Quek has been gaining licenses for casinos at his Thistle Hotels chain. 

He may open casinos in more than half of the hotels. 

Last summer Quek bought the upmarket Clairmont casino in Mayfair for £37 million. 

The casino is known for the bridge games between British billionaire James Goldsmith and Lord Lucan that once took place there. 

Last week Manchester won the UKs first licence for a super casino, astounding many who expected the bid to be a fight between the Millenium Dome and Blackpool. 

The Casino Advisory Panel also granted eight large licences to Great Yarmouth, Kingston-upon-Hull, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, New- ham, Solihull and Southampton. 

Gambling laws in the UK are set to change this September, following the passing into law of an updated Gambling Act. 

 

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