Casino operators looking to secure a licence to run a large facility in Hull will have to provide bars, restaurants and conferencing facilities as part of new criteria outlined by the local authority.

Hull City Council (HCC) drew up the guidelines, which also call for prospective bidders to create 125 retail, hotel and catering jobs, following the government's decision to award the city one of eight licences for a large casino in March 2006. The proposed casino will have to complement existing regeneration plans for the city centre and be built within a set period, according to the council's criteria, although the awarding of any future large casino licence is currently subject to a wider review of licensing policy.

John Robinson, HCC portfolio holder for image and culture, said: "Should the council be successful in selecting a casino operator it would be good news for the city particularly during this time of recession. "The potential construction and subsequent opening of the casino would create a large number of job opportunities for people and we would encourage the successful applicant to use local people where possible."

John Holmes, chief executive of economic development company, Hull Forward, added: "A casino - if well managed - could be a key driver for bolstering the leisure offer in the city centre, acting as a catalyst to draw in much needed investment from restaurants, bars and other operators. "In the context of the City Centre Masterplan, it could provide an anchor for a particular development area, bringing new jobs to Hull and attracting new customers and visitors from the wider Yorkshire and Lincolnshire areas."

The council does not expect to invite expressions of interest from potential casino operators until December 2009 at the earliest.