Hotel groups planning to open gambling complexes in Brighton and Hove are likely to vie for new "super casino" licences.

If successful, venues could have hundreds of Las Vegas-style high jackpot slot machines lined up in rows, changing the face of the city.

The Argus, which last week revealed plans for large-scale seafront gambling complexes, has learnt the Hilton Brighton Metropole and Thistle Brighton hotels are expected to bid for one of eight large casino licences being issued nationwide by the Government next year.

Critics have warned the new licences for giant casinos could lead to an explosion in gambling addiction.

Green group convenor Keith Taylor said: "We were worried about the prospect of a super casino but I would need to hear more details on the scale of these proposals.

"I have nothing against casinos per se. I get worried when people gamble with money they can't afford to lose and I am concerned they are a temptation to do that."

Dr Philip Dodgson, lead psychologist with South Downs NHS Trust, said: "Many people can gamble without it becoming a serious problem but some cannot.

"Where that is the case, an increase in the number of outlets inevitably provides more opportunity to gamble."

Under the licences, operators would be allowed to offer up to 150 £4,000-jackpot slot machines compared to the current legal limit of 20. The casinos would dwarf anything seen previously in the city.

Kieron O'Brien, spokesman for bookie chain Ladbrokes, which is making the Metropole application on behalf of its parent company Hilton, said: "We have chosen Brighton because it is a lively city with a strong evening economy and the hotel is well situated to make it a good business case.

"We have been looking to invest in a casino operation in the city for some time.

"We are applying now under existing 1968 legislation but if granted, we could choose to apply for one of the new large casino licences."

Hilton announced last year it was considering Brighton alongside four other resorts for a super casino. Thistle would not comment on its planning application.

If the hotels are granted planning permission, they will have to apply for gambling licences from magistrates before the current legislation is superseded by the new Act in April.

After that, the Government has restricted itself to issuing 17 casino licences: one giant regional venue, expected to be in Blackpool, eight large casinos and a further eight categorised as small.

A Casino Advisory Panel will have the final say. It will favour areas in need of regeneration and councils that do not want casinos will be struck off.

Brighton and Hove City Council has yet to formulate its policy and will be conducting a consultation later this year.

Deputy council leader Sue John said: "It will be for the city to decide whether or not this is a route we want to go down."

Monday, January 23, 2006