Tony Blair gave a clear hint the Government was looking to revisit the decision to award only one licence for a supercasino.

The Prime Minister said it was a “pity” that Manchester had been chosen as the sole location for the Las Vegas-style gambling complex.

And he indicated the Government may come forward with new proposals after the local elections next month giving Blackpool or the Millennium Dome a second chance.

Mr Blair was responding to mounting backbench anger over the decision by the independent Casino Advisory Panel to site Britain’s supercasino in Manchester.

Blackpool and the Dome had been regarded as the favourites.

Questioned by Blackpool MP Joan Humble about the controversial decision, Mr Blair said he was “entirely sympathetic” to complaints that Blackpool would have provided a better opportunity for regeneration.