A LAS Vegas gambling tycoon is hoping to bring a multi-million pound casino to the North-East.
Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd and his deputy, Douglas Hall, are in Los Angeles this week and are believed to be in talks with billionaire Sheldon G Adelson over bringing a massive development to St James' Park.
Mr Adelson, 69, the man behind The Venetian hotel casino in Vegas.
Last night, NUFC officials declined to comment on the deal. A spokesman said: "The chairman is in America and until he gets back, we cannot say anything further."
Mr Adelson unveiled ambitious plans to bring a chain of gambling complexes to leading Premiership football clubs.
Newcastle's reputation as a party city and the football ground's central location make it a prime target.
The club already has the land - the car park next to St James' Metro station. NUFC bought the car park land from Nexus in 1998.
In 2001, it submitted plans to Newcastle City Council for a hotel, apartments and a nightclub, but the application was later withdrawn.
Mr Adelson's scheme rests on whether the Government carries out a proposed relaxation of the UK's tight gambling laws.
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