The government's casino plans have been toned down

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell is due in 2007 to specify areas in England, Wales and Scotland for a "super-casino" and 16 other smaller ones.

Ministers had proposed allowing up to 40 super-casinos, but cut this under pressure from Conservatives.

Meanwhile the rule preventing people from gambling until a full day after joining casinos ends on Saturday.

Instead of the "24-hour rule", establishments will in future be allowed to set their own rules on admissions.

'Slate wiped clean'

Speculation about the location of the super-casino has centred on Blackpool and Glasgow.

The five-member Casino Advisory Panel starts work on Monday.

Culture minister Richard Caborn said: "The slate has been wiped clean and every local authority will have their chance to make its case."

Concern has been expressed over the possible impact of a super-casino on people living nearby.

Shadow Culture Secretary Theresa May said: "There has never been a super-casino in Britain, and no one knows what the social effects of it will be.

"There are very real fears about the impact they may have on crime and gambling addiction."