Officials behind three Midland bids for Britain's first regional casino should learn this week whether their plans have made the final shortlist.

Multi-million pound schemes in Solihull, Coventry and Dudley are among 27 bids that are being considered by the Casino Advisory Panel.

The Government-appointed body is expected to announce later this week several bids that have made it through an "initial phase of evaluation".

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The Midland bid teams have so far not been contacted by the CAP, The Birmingham Post understands.

But a Department for Culture, Media and Sport source said: "We do expect it to be announced this week."

It is unclear how many proposals will be included in the shortlist.

Midland schemes include a £250 million plan by the National Exhibition Centre to build a Las Vegas-style destination at its Solihull site. The proposal has been submitted by Solihull Council and backed by Birmingham.

Council leaders in Coventry will be hoping that their £95 million plans to house a regional casino in the Ricoh Arena will go forward to the next stage.

Which of the 'big three' should get the casino? Click on the links below to get the details on each bid

A £50 million plan submitted by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council for a massive leisure complex in Brierley Hill, anchored by a super-casino, is also being considered.

The Gambling Act recently passed by Parliament will allow three new types of casinos to operate in Britain, including one 'regional casino' housing up to 1,250 unlimited jackpot slot machines.

More than 40 local authorities, including Wolverhampton and Cannock, have applied for one of the eight large and eight small casinos. A shortlist for these proposals is expected soon. The CAP will submit its advice to the Government by the end of the year, which will be considered by Government ministers before a final decision is made.