A Las Vegas-style casino could play a major part in the redevelopment of the Brighton Centre.

Brighton and Hove is one step closer to building the city's largest gambling venue after being shortlisted for one of the Government's eight "large" or eight "small" casino licences.

At up to 1,500sqm, a large casino would dwarf the city's existing venues, holding a maximum of 150 slot machines, offering £4,000 jackpots.

A small casino would be half that size, with a £4,000 jackpot and up to 80 machines. The current legal limit is 20 machines.

The city council decided not to apply for one "regional" licence to build a 5,000sqm super-casino. Councillor Sue John, chairwoman of the culture and tourism committee, said: "We are looking at how we can develop the Brighton Centre and we may want to include a casino as part of that."

Other possible locations include the Hilton Metropole and the Thistle hotel, both in Kings Road, Brighton.

The Casino Advisory Panel, which will advise the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on where licences should be granted, will now consult residents and local planning authorities before making a final decision by the end of the year.

Brighton and Hove faces competition from 30 other towns and cities across the UK.

Business leaders welcomed the boost in tourism a new casino would bring.

Mark Froud, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said: "Any new development that raises the profile of the city and attracts more visitors will boost the local economy, provide jobs for local people and attract new business to the area."

Critics fear the licence could damage the city's reputation and send gambling addictions spiralling out of control Jake Brindell, 32, from Brighton, who quit gambling a year ago after a 24-year addiction, accused the council of acting immorally. He said: "More gambling just brings with it more gambling problems."

Thursday, May 25, 2006