The addition of a large casino to the existing leisure offer in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is set to provide a "major boost" to the city's evening economy, according to the local authority.

Leeds City Council (LCC) is the largest of eight UK authorities to have been handed a large casino licence, which allows a minimum table gaming area of up to 1,000sq m (10,764sq ft).

At a developer and investor forum held at MIPIM, LCC director of city development Martin Farrington said a large casino would be "an exciting new dimension" to Leeds' economy.

The council has launched a two-stage selection process and said it had attracted widespread interest from potential operators. The deadline for the first stage is 26 April.

Farrington said: "The leisure economy already attracts thousands of visitors to the city, keen to enjoy its exciting night life, retail offer and visitor attractions.

"In 2013, the city's leisure economy will go up a league when the new Leeds Arena opens, attracting international artists and some of the world's biggest entertainment events."

Details: www.leedscityregionatmipim.co.uk