We knew the city had put together a strong bid, but Blackpool and London were being talked about as the favourites.
The decision proved yet again that we could take on national competitors and win.
But since then Manchester's victory has been spoiled by complaints from rival bidders and delay by central government.
Last week, there was a great deal of media speculation about the fate of the supercasino. This was a result of rumours that a letter to the Scottish and Welsh administrations had stated that the supercasino bid would not go ahead. So far there has been no official confirmation of this story. However, if the rumour is true, it will be a massive blow to Greater Manchester.
The loss of the supercasino would mean the end of a major regeneration project, which would have brought 3,000 jobs and a huge injection of much-needed investment to one of the city's most deprived areas.
No alternative
As yet no alternative regeneration project has been put forward for the supercasino site. There has been talk of other projects, such as a football academy, but at the moment this is simply speculation.
Manchester won the supercasino bid fair and square following an inquiry by an independent panel.
The other 16 casino bids which were chosen will still go ahead, which seems very unfair to Manchester. The top prize is being taken away from us, without any consolation prize being offered.
For it to be snatched away from East Manchester, which needs it so much, is little short of an outrage. If the government overturns the panel's decision, it will not only have let our city and local businesses down, but also the people of East Manchester.
Another important issue is the cost of the whole process.
If the supercasino does not come to Manchester, all the public money spent on research, reports and meetings will have been wasted.
Last month, we heard how many millions had been spent on the Mottram-Tintwistle bypass without any construction work taking place. Will the supercasino be just another long-running public inquiry that leads nowhere?
Rest assured that if East Manchester doesn't get the supercasino, the Chamber will continue to lobby the government to ensure the area gets the investment it needs.
What do you think? Have your say.
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