Croydon could be about to hit the jackpot after plans to transform part of a hotel into a massive casino were announced.

The Aerodrome Hotel in Purley Way could be set for a Las Vegas-style revamp after US-based international company Century Casinos revealed it wants to open its first UK venue in Croydon.

Century's plans could see part of the hotel transformed into a 16,000sq ft casino rivalling its Nevada-based counterparts including the world famous Mandalay Bay Hotel and MGM Grand Hotel.

The casino, which will be classed as a large casino under the new UK Gambling Act 2005, will include a minimum of 30 gambling tables and 150 slot machines.

The draft proposal also includes an expansion of the hotel to 150 rooms, two restaurants, several bars, a health club and an events and conference centre for 300 guests.

Westmead Business Group, owner and operator of the Aerodrome Hotel, will work in partnership with Century Casinos to secure planning permission for the proposed development from Croydon Council.

The two companies will also be required to obtain an operator's licence from the Gambling Commission and a premises licence, which would be issued by the council.

The Gambling Commission, which was established in October to enforce the UK Gambling Act, said any proposals to open a new casino would have to abide by a strict set of criteria.

A spokesman for the commission said: "We are about to issue our new code of practice and conditions which will be published next year. But all proposed developments will need to adhere to three key objectives: "To keep crime out of gambling, to conduct gambling fairly and openly and to protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling."

The commission will not accept applications for operators licences until the middle of next year.

Century Casinos and Westmead Business Group have expressed their delight at the prospect of opening the new UK casino.

Peter Hoetzinger, president of Century Casinos, said: "The provisions of the new Gambling Act, allowing new casinos to offer table games, slot machines and entertainment on an international level, together with the excellent location and demographics of the proposed site, make this project a natural location for our first UK casino development."

John Power, chairman of Westmead, said: "The regeneration of the Aerodrome Hotel will have a positive impact on the economy of Croydon and the south London area."

Councillor Stuart Collins, cabinet member for culture and sport, said a Croydon casino could be a positive move for the borough.

"Personally I think there is no great problem with there being a casino in Croydon.

"People will gamble anyway so at least in this instance it would be regulated. It would bring jobs into the town and money into our economy. If there is a casino I will try my hardest to make sure culture and sport in the borough reap some benefits."

However, Coun Collins was keen to point out his views were strictly personal and that in the past council members have shown a strong objection to the opening of a casino in Croydon.