Middlesbrough casino licence granted
A £25m leisure complex in Middlesbrough which includes a large casino has been given a licence.
Stockton-based Jomast Developments has been awarded the town's large casino licence by Middlesbrough council, one of only eight permitted in the UK.
Jomast said the scheme would also include hotels, banqueting facilities, restaurants and a multi-storey car park, creating up to 300 jobs.
Development Director Adam Hearld said it would have "far reaching benefits".
In 2008 the government scrapped plans for a Las Vegas style super-casino in Manchester.
Instead it permitted 16 smaller casinos in named locations around the country.
The Middlesbrough development will convert the vacant Gurney House building as well as adjoining car parks.
Jomast said it needed to secure a casino operator, but had received expressions of interest.
It said it was preparing a planning application for the scheme and intended to consult the public before submitting it.
It hopes to start the first phase of the scheme early next year.