Major Casino Plan Wins Approval

Plans to bid for one of the government's major casino licences for a resort town have been backed.

A full meeting of Bournemouth Borough Council voted in support of bidding for a 150-machine casino.

The council's cabinet had already supported the scheme but two thirds of the borough's own citizens panel are said to be against it.

The bid for one of the eight large casino licences now has to be submitted by the end of the month.

The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association, Bournemouth Tourism Action Group and Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce all support the application.

A council spokesman said: "The development will generate many well-paid job opportunities for local people both in the direct operation of the casino and the extensive associated leisure facilities and as a result of an increased demand for tourism in the area."

He added that regulations concerning the running of the casino would aim to "protect children and other people from harm or exploitation of gaming".

A government decision on the application is expected in early 2007.