“Under last year’s Gambling Act, three new types of casino will be allowed to operate.

“Throughout the country, one new regional casino will be permitted along with eight new large and eight new small casinos.

“All local authorities have been asked to consider whether they wish to be considered as locations for them. But the Liberal Democrat executive at City Hall is planning to turn down the offer when it is asked on Wednesday whether to get council officers to put in a bid for a licence for one of 17 casinos.

“The council’s deputy leader Hereward Cooke said the council wanted to back Great Yarmouth’s bid for a casino instead.

“?At the moment, Blackpool is in the driving seat for the single regional casino, although Great Yarmouth has not given up hope entirely?”