Of those asked by local paper the Southern Daily Echo, 51.8 per cent wanted the Las Vegas-style venue, while 45.7 per cent were against.

It is hoped a casino development - which would create up to 350 jobs and inject at least £11.2m into the city economy - could be the catalyst for regenerating the waterfront.

However, the council may not make its decision based on the referendum despite officials saying that it will decide with the help of the public.

With local elections just three months away, the news was greeted with caution by all shades of the City Council political spectrum.

"I don't think a referendum is part of local government process and I don't believe it would be very helpful," said Liberal Democrat representative Adrian Vinson.

"It will be for the council to decide how to best take the temperature of the public."

Royston Smith, a member of the Conservative party, added that the council has yet to decide how it will make its choice.

Labour Party group leader Councillor June Bridle said a casino could be a golden opportunity to redevelop Southampton's waterfront.

"It looks as if it would be a really good asset for the city.

Hopefully creating jobs and making quite a bit of difference, but there are concerns in terms of the impact of gambling and that will have to be taken into account if ever we proceed with one," she said.

There are already several casinos in the city, including Harbour House and Stanley Southampton though the prospect of a large one has set tongues wagging on the sea front.

Source:http://www.onlinecasinopress.co.uk/