A new £12 million casino is to be built in the Black Country.

Casino 36, which opened a site in Wolverhampton last year, has announced plans to launch a new operation in Dudley which will create more than 70 jobs.

The project which will involve the relocation of the existing casino on Castle Hill and the development of a new 450-seat bingo hall.

The new-build casino is due to open on Castlegate Leisure Park next year and will create 74 full-time jobs.

Start searching for your new career here today

Casino 36 director Adrian Ballard said: "Dudley has always been a leading market town.

"The plans to move the area forward are admirable and something I am keen to be involved in.

"I feel the opportunities our new site will provide will complement these plans and be an additional vehicle to bring much-needed tourism back to the borough.

"When considering which new facilities to offer, we didn't want to just cater to an existing client market.

"We are determined to provide something the area is lacking and are focused on providing new facilities in a friendly and safe environment where people can relax in an exciting and fresh new setting."

Peter Adkins, head of the regulatory team at Birmingham law firm Emms Gilmore Liberson, has advised the company on its licensing requirements.

He added: "Going through the process for the move of a casino licence and new bingo licence is exceptionally complex and we have been working extremely hard to ensure the application for a new premises in Dudley is completed smoothly.

"We're looking forward to Casino 36 receiving the go ahead from the local authority so it can start building this impressive new site, which will boost the town's leisure facilities and create jobs."