It’s not exactly being transformed into the Las Vegas of the UK but the Berkshire town of Reading is soon to become a Mecca for British gamblers and gaming enthusiasts.

Earlier this year onlinecasinopress.com revealed that a state of the art Racino was given the go ahead by Reading Borough Council.

Comprising of a new racetrack, casino and speedway stadium the ambitious venture is set to open next year alongside Island Road.

Now a rival company, Grosvenor Casino, who already run a casino in the city have applied to build a new ‘concept casino’ with a poker room, bar, restaurant and live entertainment stage on Caversham road.

The Rank Group Gaming Division has asked the council for permission to build what may be known as G Casino, which the firm said would be a "welcoming leisure environment that provides more than just gambling".

The group said the new casino would evoke "sophistry" and "specialness" with a 'destination bar' and audiovisual screens.

Rank wants to add an extra storey to the building and build a terrace area outside.

The firm said the new casino would fill a "market gap in terms of night time options for 30 to 40-somethings, as an alternative to nightclubs and restaurants/bars", according to the planning application.

However, Abbey ward councillor Tony Page warned that the application "appears to be a proposed nightclub via the back door". Mr. Page said: "My concern is that this is much more than a casino. The potential disturbance to residential areas in close proximity to the car park is substantial, as there will be comings and goings throughout the night."

In addition, Dawsons Music, which currently occupies some of the shop space, would be forced to move premises under a "mutual agreement" with Grosvenor Casino.

The council will consider the application in November.