IT is hoped a new integrated casino resort including hotel and conference facilities could be built in the Island.

Expressions of interest will be sought after the Council of Ministers agreed a second casino licence "at this time appeared to be commercially viable and should be pursued".

At present there is only one casino in the Island - at the Palace Hotel and Casino in Douglas.

The Council of Ministers wants to see a new casino development with a four or five star hotel and conference facilities that would attract both tourists and business travellers.

Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "I believe that the decision to invite expressions of interest in the second casino licence at this time is a positive development.

"It has the potential to generate significant additional economic benefit for the construction industry, job creation, increased visitor numbers and additional revenue for government."

The department said one of the objectives is to launch a second casino without "damaging the viability of the existing casino operator".