ALL bets are off when it comes to the opening of a new 24-hour casino in Bournemouth.

Plans to open the facility in the BH2 development were given the green light by the council in December.

It followed a joint application by Aspers and BH2 developers Licet Holdings and Legal & General.

Chief operating officer Richard Noble said at the time he was “very happy” the plans had been approved and was “excited to be at the heart of the leisure facilities in this development”.

However, with no sign of works taking place to build the casino at BH2 and signage advertising a unit to let, questions have been raised over its opening.

A BH2 spokesperson said Aspers Casino was “still yet to be confirmed at BH2”. The spokesperson added: “We will know more over the coming months as to whether it will be a casino or another leisure opportunity.

“In terms of the units available, apart from this one we are in talks about, there is one more.”

Meanwhile, an Aspers spokesperson said they “remain committed to bringing a new, state-of-the-art casino to Bournemouth” and that their “discussions with BH2 as the preferred location are continuing”.

“Aspers is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative leisure and entertainment venues, creating jobs and working closely with local communities to deliver socially responsible gaming environments,” the spokesperson added.

If the casino opening does go ahead, it will be spread across two floors in BH2 and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with live jazz music, a VIP area, and electronic gaming machines.

Although the planning committee of Bournemouth Borough Council gave the casino permission at the end of last year, several members were opposed to the plans.

They expressed concerns about the suitability of a casino in a family entertainment centre.

Ward councillor David Smith was also “disappointed” with the “underhand” way the developers introduced the plans, which had not been mentioned when the BH2 scheme was originally put forward.