Another seafront casino opens its door to customers this week, the latest in a string of new venues marking the city's move towards becoming Las Vegas-on-sea.

The Grosvenor will open the casino in the former ABC cinema at Grand Junction Road in Brighton, close to the Palace Pier, creating 130 jobs.

With the Government about to relax gaming laws, others are likely to follow in Brighton and Hove.

The resort could eventually rival Blackpool as the British answer to Las Vegas.

No planning permission was needed for the change of use from cinema to casino but neighbouring restaurants in part of the same building did need consent.

The Art Deco cinema building was in a sorry state before the renovation and there were fears it would have to be demolished.

Opened as The Savoy more than 70 years ago, it was eventually converted into a multi-screen cinema.

The casino will occupy more than 10,000sqft.

A spokeswoman for Grosvenor said: "It has been fully refurbished, bringing the casino experience into the 21st Century."

Its gaming floor includes the traditional games of roulette, blackjack and casino stud poker and two new games, sic bo and big six wheel. There are also ten slot machines and 22 terminals of electronic roulette.

David Boden, managing director of Rank's gaming division, said the relocation of Grosvenor's former building at Queen's Road provided an opportunity to widen the appeal of casinos.

He said the new casino would be well appointed and attractive for many people in the city. There will be a lounge bar, a restaurant and full access for disabled people.