A panel will decide the venue of the new super casino

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell struck a deal with the Tories to save the bill by agreeing to scale down plans for eight super casinos to just one.

Isle of Capri says it has applied for a licence for a casino at the Arena in Coventry under existing laws.

It is still hoping that the site will be chosen for the only super casino.

Climb-down welcomed

The location will be decided by an independent panel.

Coventry City Football Club are due to start playing at the 32,000-seat stadium next season as part of the Arena project.

In a statement, Isle of Capri said: "Subject to approval we are still intending to open the casino next year as part of the Arena Coventry development according to our original plan.

"From a broader perspective we are disappointed by (the) announcement and the indication that there is to be only one pilot regional casino instead of the eight that were previously planned by ministers for the UK.

"Isle is keen that the Coventry Arena is considered as the ideal site for the pilot regional casino under this proposed legislation."

The culture secretary faces pressure to make the bill law before Parliament is dissolved next week for the election.