GEORGE CLOONEY - CLOONEY'S CASINO SCRAPPED

GEORGE CLOONEY has been forced to abandon plans to build his proposed Las Ramblas casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, after his backers decided to sell the plot of land ear-marked for the luxury resort. The Oscar-winner and top club boss RANDE GERBER - husband of CINDY CRAWFORD - are among the investors in the ambitious project which was set to open its doors next year (07). But Clooney is turning his attention to finding new backers for his 1950s-style gaming establishment following the collapse of the deal. He tells the New York Daily News, "Since our controlling partners wanted to sell the space. I'll donate my profits from the sale to the African Debt Relief Project - and I guess I'll find someplace else to gamble." Gerber remains optimistic about the future: "There are several great opportunities on the table, including a potential sale of the land. Regardless of the outcome, George and I are committed to developing a Vegas project together."