Sheffield was one of eight shortlisted cities to be in with a chance of hosting a regional casino.

And city leaders say they want to make sure any concerns are raised to make sure if a super casino goes ahead potential problems are addressed.

Council Leader Jan Wilson said if Sheffield is selected by the Casino Advisory Panel there will be plenty of discussion with residents.

„If the Government should select Sheffield as its location, or if in future there are further licenses granted and Sheffield is offered one, the council will then assess the proposals,“ she said.

„The council is committed to generating jobs and we want to ensure that any licence fully conforms with the regeneration benefits.

„This would include proper consideration of the issues that have been raised over the last few months.“ Only one site will eventually get the go-ahead for a super casino.

A decision is not due until December but developers are already lining up to offer sites at Meadowhall, Don Valley and Bramall Lane.

Coun Wilson added: „The biggest worry people have is that a casino may generate problem gambling. We have to be satisfied that measures are in place to ensure that this development is beneficial for the community.

„We would look in detail at the proposals from a planning point of view with issues such as parking but we would also look at it from a social point of view. We will only proceed if we are satisfied with both.“

Meanwhile, a new smaller casino will definitely open in Sheffield city centre.

Casino operator Stanley Leisure has been granted a licence for St Paul’s Place.

It is spending almost £8m fitting out the building with a 10,000 sq ft gaming area, 20 slot machines, a restaurant and bar.

The casino is set to open in 2008 and will be a small piece of the overall development of St Paul’s Place along with as shops and cafes.