A new large casino could be established at the ExCeL exhibition centre in London's Docklands after it emerged that it was among several contenders bidding to hose the proposed venue.

Discussions are currently ongoing between the centre, casino operators and the local authority, Newham Council, to investigate the possibility of locating a casino at the ExCeL, which is situated at Royal Victoria Dock near Canning Town. A spokesperson for ExCeL London said: "ExCeL London is one of a number of companies working with Newham and casino operators to consider the feasibility of having a casino on their site.

"At this stage, no formal decision has been made as to whether this is a viable option for the business." Newham Council was one of eight local authorities granted a license by the government to run a large casino under the 2005 Gambling Act, along with Leeds City Council, Middlesbrough Borough Council and Southampton City Council. A further eight were given a license to run small casinos.

In July last year, ExCeL announced that it is to extend its venue space to 100,000sq m (1,076,391sq ft), more than double the centre's current size. Additional bars, restaurants and a new auditorium will also be created.