Ministers have revealed they will soon publish new rules on who can run 16 “New Generation Gaming Complexes” around the UK.

The proposed Las Vegas-style attractions were announced in the wake of the decision to scrap the Manchester “Super Casino” project.

Now the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says local council chiefs can start to award operating licenses this summer.

Jackpots

Cities pencilled in for the new casinos include Scarborough, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton and Leeds.

However, some authorities say it will be 2010 before any licence is granted.

The proposed casino in Leeds  would be THREE TIMES BIGGER than current UK casino venue with 150 slot machines offering top jackpots of £4,000.

Experts have said the scheme could bring in more than £20 million of private sector investment and create around 700 jobs.