The council hopes a super casino would regenerate the resort

The resort is already the favourite to win the licence from the government to build a Las Vegas-style development.

The government has said there will be only one licence offered, after backing down on plans for eight super casinos around the country.

MPs have been invited to attend a reception showcasing the town's bid for the jackpot on Tuesday.

The council has said the plans are an important part of its hopes to regenerate the resort.

The North West Development Agency has said the town would have more to gain from a casino than any other town or city in the North West.

Manchester City Council still has plans to build a casino next to the Sport City development in the east of the city.