WEMBLEY'S bid to host the country's only "super casino" has been scrapped after Brent Council withdrew its support.

Executive members voted against the plan by American gaming group Harrah's Entertainment last night because of the "social damage" they believed a casino on the grounds of the new Wembley Stadium could cause.

A "social study " the council commissioned into the likely impact that a "super casino" would have on the surrounding area found that it would lead to a rise in crime.

It also found that community health, transport and the environment would suffer.

"A casino will increase the rate of problem gambling locally and that any negative impacts will be felt disproportionately amongst those with low incomes, poorer than average qualifications, and amongst non-white groups," the survey said.

The Millennium Dome in Greenwich is now the official favourite to become the country's first Las Vegas style "super-casino".

Brent council sought the views of local residents and received 3,626 responses, with 67 per cent of respondents either opposed to a casino in the borough.

Council leader Councillor Paul Lorber said: "We have carefully considered the findings of the economic and social impact studies and are not convinced that any potential benefits will outweigh the negative impacts likely to arise from a regional casino.

"We have also listened to the views of local people who have clearly said they don't want a casino in Brent.

"Taking all this into account we have decided not to proceed with the bid.

"We are, however, totally committed to seeing new and exciting developments in and around Wembley and will be looking at alternatives that will boost the local economy and bring real benefits for Brent residents."

It had been estimated that a casino would have created more than 2,000 jobs, half of them going to local people.

Local tourism would also have been boosted.

Only one super-casino - with up to 1,250 jackpot slot machines - will be built.

Another 16 large and small casinos will be granted licenses under the new Gambling Act.

The boroughs of Dartford and Newham made the shortlist for these licences, along with 29 other councils.

A final decision will be made by the Government in October.