The proposed development could bring up to 4,000 jobs

The Las Vegas-style plans for the Middlehaven docklands will also feature luxury hotels, bars and an arena.

The UK/Australian firm Aspers has been named by Tees Valley Regeneration as its preferred operator of the casino.

Under the Gambling Act, only one super casino can be built in the UK, along with 16 smaller ones. Other cities, including Cardiff, have put in bids.

A spokesman for Tees Valley Regeneration said: "Winning the right to have a regional casino would be great news not only for Middlehaven and Middlesbrough but also for the wider Tees Valley.

"With a new college, thousands of jobs, trendy apartments and family homes and leisure and sporting facilities, Middlehaven will offer something for everyone.

"The stunning nature of the architecture chosen for Middlehaven and the top class facilities it will offer will make it a destination in its own right with people travelling far and wide just to be part of it.

"The casino is central to the success of Middlesbrough's regeneration. It will raise the profile of the Middlehaven development regionally, nationally and internationally and serve to attract further investment to the area and boost economic prosperity."