Las Vegas Sands' new US$743m (££455m, 527m euro) Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US, has officially opened.

Although the casino has been open for business since 22 May, a ceremony yesterday (9 June) marked its grand opening.

The site represents Las Vegas Sands' first US property outside of Las Vegas.

Sheldon Adelson, chair of Las Vegas Sands, said: "With its close proximity to New York, Philadelphia and the northern New Jersey suburbs, we are confident that Sand Bethlehem will quickly become and remain one of the region's top gaming and entertainment destinations."

The casino boasts 3,000 slot machines and a signature restaurant from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, named Emeril's Chop House. The resort also features an Irish pub, a 24-hour café and the Molten Lounge entertainment venue.

There are also plans to open a further 2,000 machines in November, as well as build a 300-room hotel.