A billionaire gambler known as the 'Fat Man' has won a bid to avoid paying a GBP 2 million debt to an exclusive casino. Businessman Fouad al-Zayat totted up the massive loss in just one night's play at the roulette and blackjack tables at Aspinall's in London. But the 66-year-old withheld payment after a row over a croupier. Last year the Syrian-born gambler - one of an estimated 180 high-rolling international gamblers known as 'whales' - was told by a judge to pay up.

Aspers Casino in Swansea will open its doors to the public for the first time on September 6.Boss Damian Aspinall was in Swansea yesterday to announce the official opening of the Salubrious Place gambling emporium. With GBP 7 million fit-out costs, the casino represents a huge investment in the city and Mr Aspinall is confident it will pay off. Aspers is one of the biggest casino groups in the UK, and Mr Aspinall says it is leading the way in making casinos respectable.