The building of the complex is dependent on the planned reform of Britain’s gambling laws, it added. Other developments on the site would include a hotel, restaurants, bars, leisure facilities and designer shops, said Stanley Leisure.

The complex is expected to be completed by the end of 2007 and will create 1,000 jobs.Stanley Leisure chief executive Bob Wiper said: 'We plan to build an exciting casino complex, to rival any other development in the UK, which will be a huge entertainment attraction of which the region can be proud.'