Planning laws must include powers to ban casinos from cities, city councillors say.

Brighton and Hove chief executive Alan McCarthy has been instructed to write to the Government demanding new powers to block huge gambling venues.

Changes in the law mooted by the Government would have allowed for £1 million jackpots and gaming centres with 1,250 slot machines operating 24 hours a day.

The council is calling on secretary of state for culture Tessa Jowell to introduce tough limits as part of the new Gaming Bill.

Councillors have demanded the right to refuse applications other than on normal planning grounds such as over-development or traffic.

Such powers would hand the city council enough control to prevent Brighton and Hove being transformed into a Las Vegas-style gambling resort.

The council will also call for limits on the number of casinos built nationally and welcomed the concessions already made by Ms Jowell after the Gambling Bill caused an outcry.

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "This is a very sensible way forward.

"The Government does pay attention to public opinion and has changed its original proposal so there will be eight large casinos rather than 40 nationally.

"The fact that a city such as Brighton, which has a significant tourist industry, has expressed these views means the Government will consider these proposals.

"It is clear there are people who are very concerned.

"The council was able to unite around something that could have been very divisive because there are strongly-held views on both sides."

The motion was carried after an amendment proposed by the Liberal Democrats was backed by Labour.

David Watson, acting leader of the Lib Dem group, said: "This will give local authorities the powers they need to reject inappropriate applications for Megasinos.

"We need to see strong powers for the council to reject applications which do not add to the local area or economy.

"In terms of the tourist economy Megasinos could be a very real opportunity for Brighton and Hove but it must be on the terms of the city and not overseas casino owners."