Aspers named as operator of new large casino in Southampton

Other bids were received from GGV, Grosvenor and Kymeira. The casino was granted a license by the government for up to 150 slot machines and 30 blackjack and poker tables.

It is the last of eight large casino licenses to be issued in the UK, excluding Northern Ireland. Matt Tucker, chairman of Southampton City Council's licensing committee, said it had been the "largest and most complex competition" for this type of license, enabling the authority to "negotiate the best deal for the city".

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The authority will receive at least 2% of the gross gaming revenues from the casino and the Aspers will pay £50,000 a year towards ongoing problem gambling initiatives.

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"The regeneration of the waterfront at Royal Pier and Mayflower Park has been a longstanding aspiration for the city. The casino will play a big part in making the redevelopment happen," he said.

Tucker said the casino would create a minimum of 180 new jobs and £100,000 would be given to the council on the granting of the license, with a further £150,000 on opening.

The authority will receive at least 2% of the gross gaming revenues from the casino and the Aspers will pay £50,000 a year towards ongoing problem gambling initiatives.

The city's ferry terminals are to be moved from the Town Quay to the Eastern Docks to make way for the new development. It will also include 730 apartments, restaurants, up to 50 shops and a 250-bed hotel.

The large casino licenses have been granted for facilities with a minimum customer area of 1,000 sq m and up to 150 slot machines with maximum jackpot of £10000.