Scotland’s first classroom for casino croupiers launched in Glasgow today – boosting the city’s bid to become Britain’s gaming capital.

The training centre, in St Enoch Square, is modelled on US-style casino schools.

Bosses of the Glasgow firm which has set up the centre want to give people the skills they need to become top-flight casino workers.

Thousands of new jobs could be created if the city wins its bid for Britain’s first Las Vegas style regional complex.

It’s believed at least one of Glasgow’s existing casinos had to bring in staff from overseas due to a shortage of experienced croupiers.

Now Casino Training UK Ltd, of Ashton Lane, wants to plug the skills gap. Trainees will be taught customer service as well as how to deal roulette and poker on full-size casino tables.

The first full intake of 10 people begins next month and unemployed people who qualify for Training For Work can apply for funding for the 10-week course.

Training director Don McLeod said: „We are very excited about this venture and believe Glasgow is the ideal location.

„We think this is an excellent way of ensuring local people can get jobs in the industry.

„We also work very closely with Gamcare, the charity which helps people with gambling problems, and gambling awareness is one of the things we’ll teach as part of the training course.“

Glasgow is the only Scots contender left in the battle to become Britain’s supercasino capital against Blackpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Cardiff and London boroughs Brent and Greenwich.

A final decision is expected to be made before Christmas.