A former gas works site has been earmarked for the casino

The �50m complex will be part of the Arena project, being built on a former gas works site in Foleshill, Coventry.

According to American developers, Isle of Capri Casinos, the 100,00 sq ft development will be five times larger than any other casino in England.

The company has signed an agreement in principle to develop the complex as part of the Arena, which includes a new home for Coventry City Football Club

Jack Galloway, from the US leisure group, said Coventry was chosen as the location for a number of reasons.

"It's a great location, right off the expressways, it's near a major metropolitan area.

"We just think it's a terrific facility and the people are really nice."

Isle of Capri is banking on plans to relax Britain's gaming laws which currently restrict casinos to premises of 25,000 sq ft.