PLANS for a £12m casino in Dudley have moved a step closer after it secured crucial alcohol and 24-hour gambling licences.

Castle Casino in Castle Hill is set to relocate to Castlegate Park and relaunch as Casino 36 - a move that will create around 100 jobs.

The new two-storey building, which will be built opposite the Village Hotel, will have a 450-seat bingo hall on the ground floor and a casino upstairs, where people will be able to play roulette, blackjack and slot machines.

Adrian Ballard, Casino 36 director, said it was "great" that the licences had been granted by Dudley Council.

He added: “To have these licenses granted and in place is another box ticked.

"It means we are even closer to the ambition becoming a reality.

"The location provides a perfect platform for a successful casino and bingo hall to be built upon, which will prove to be a massive asset to the town."