Twenty-seven local authorities are bidding for the right to build the UK's first supercasino, it emerged this week.

The casino advisory panel has revealed that it is considering the applications to build a Las Vegas-style supercasino. Only one application will be granted, with Blackpool understood to be favourite to win the deal.

Stephen Crow, the advisory panel chairman, said a shortlist would be drawn up within eight weeks. He said: "Once we have completed this initial phase, selected proposals will go forward for further examination over the summer months."

Councils that have applied to host a supercasino include Greenwich, which would incorporate the casino within the Millennium Dome complex, and Brent council, near Wembley stadium.