Friday is likely to be decision day in the contest to see who will run a Las Vegas-style casino in Newham, it has emerged.

Three firms are bidding for the right to open a so-called “large casino”, with up to 150 slot machines and a �4,000 maximum jackpot, but only one licence can be awarded.

The council’s licensing committee met last Friday to debate the proposals - mostly behind closed doors - but did not come to a decision.

Members are due to reconvene at Newham Town Hall in East Ham this Friday and it is expected a winning bidder will be announced after the meeting.

The options on the table are locations at Silvertown Quays, Westfield Stratford City and Great Eastern Quays in Gallions Reach.