Plans to build a Las Vegas-style super casino in the North-East could be decided by unelected officials, it was revealed today.

The North-East regional development agency, One NorthEast, will play a major part in helping decide where the Government's controversial mega casinos are built if the region is awarded one of eight special licences due to be handed out.

Bosses at the RDA have already commissioned a report investigating the best possible site for the huge casino, and are due to hold a meeting on the issue with Government officials and councillors next month.

However, the news was greeted with dismay by critics of the unelected organisation, with Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins warning gambling was not an issue "to be dealt with behind closed doors".

"It is increasingly important that these things are discussed in public and that issues such as these are put in front of the public for all to see," he said. "This is certainly something that should not be dealt with behind closed doors - no-one has a clue what's going on with this. Clearly that cannot be right and it's not something that can go on."

Mr Cousins warned that the public in the North-East should have more of a say over possible sites for development.

One NorthEast last night insisted it was helping "move on" the gambling debate following the Government's decision to award only eight licences in the UK for super casinos.

Under the Gambling Bill, currently going through Parliament, super-casinos, officially called regional casinos, would be allowed to open round-the-clock, house more than 1,000 slot machines and offer jackpots up to £1m.

The report commissioned by One NorthEast will suggest prime sites for possible development in the region, with Sunderland and Newcastle as likely leaders.

John Holmes, One NorthEast's regeneration and tourism director, said it was vital to move the gambling debate on quickly "to keep all parties as informed as possible".

"We fully recognise the great deal of interest this issue has generated amongst the industry and local authorities.

"We are not a planning authority - we are a consultee as part of an evolving process to help determine where the best possible sites could be for these casinos, to bring the maximum economic benefit to our region."

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