Licensing process to be launched for large city casino

Next week the city council will start the processes for awarding of a large casino licence.

The council was granted the authority to award a licence after a successful bid to the Government in 2006, and is now in the position to start the process with a view to granting a licence in under two years.

A report submitted to Leeds Council's executive board next Wednesday will outline the processes and update members on the need to move forward on the matter.

A council spokesman said: "A large casino has the potential to bring a substantial number of benefits to Leeds, including economic, financial and social benefits, and to assist in the economic regeneration of the city.

"The council will follow through the legally complex licensing process, with the view to being in a position to award the licence towards the end of 2011."

Tory leader Andrew Carter predicted that the casino would be a "great asset to the city".

He said: "These casino licences were meant to deliver the greatest benefit to an area in terms of jobs and economic regeneration, and we remain confident that a large casino can still play a big part in the city's regeneration plans.

"However, as a responsible authority we will always aim to protect those who could be affected in a negative way by gambling"

The other authorities to be awarded a large casino licence are Hull, Newham, Great Yarmouth, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Solihull and Southampton.