The UK's largest casino is due to be built in Birmingham, according to the betting and gambling firm Stanley Leisure.

The new casino will be based in the Star City complex.

With 40 tables and more than 200 staff, Stanley Star City Casino will add to the firm's portfolio of gambling outlets in Birmingham.

The firm recently bought the upmarket Midland Wheel casino and the not quite so smart China Place casino in the city.

"The Stanley Star City will be the UK's largest casino and, along with its sister sites, the China Palace and the Midland Wheel, will put Birmingham firmly on the map as a destination gaming city," said Bob Wiper, chief executive of Stanley Leisure.

Markets approve

The firm said it expects the giant casino to be opened next summer.

Stanley Leisure shares gained 2 pence to 368.5 on the news that the firm had been granted the licence to build the casino.

The application had been lying on the planners' table since September 2000.

It was approved on July 10.