Gala has unveiled plans to close its North Bridge Street casino later this year, making way for a new development in the city's River Quarter.

The new casino, opposite Cineworld cinema, is to advertise for croupiers, bar staff and waitresses.

The UK casino will feature technology never used before in any of the company's 28 casinos across the UK.

Phil Tait, general manager of Gala Casino Sunderland, said today: "The new casino will not only bring jobs to Sunderland, but will also boost the local economy by drawing people into the city from elsewhere.

"Most of the technology and gaming equipment has never been used anywhere before and a visit to the casino will be an all-round entertainment experience.

"I'm confident it will quickly become Sunderland's number one destination and once people see it they will fighting to book it for their christmas parties."

With 21 gaming tables -nearly triple the number at North Bridge Street- the new 28,000 sq ft casino will offer punters games including American roulette, black jack, jackpot stud poker and brag.

The single-storey building will also house 40 slot machines, dropping jackpots of up to L4,000 a time, and an "e-lounge" where gamblers can bet using electronic touchpad terminals.

Planners have even taken Wearside's love of football into account, with a giant suspended glass screen showing the latest Black Cats' action.

Mr Tait added: "The screen is the first of its kind in our casinos and is very exciting. The transparent screen divides the gaming room from our restaurant and becomes opaque for TV pictures.

"We also have a unique sound system which separates the noise coming from around the open plan casino so the sound from the football doesn't mix with pop music being played nearby.

"Another spectacular feature is a 35ft-long bar which has a top made of ice to keep drinks and cocktails cool all night. And the walls of our restaurant are also portable, so we can redesign and shape the room to fit around the number of diners on each table every day."

The Gala Casino River Quarter opens on November 24, with a chance for members to enter a prize draw for a red and white Mini Cooper car.

To find out more about job opportunities, contact 0845 120 2010 between 9am and 5pm for an application form and details of upcoming staff selection days.