A new delay was announced for the opening of a huge casino in Glasgow. The gambling venue, which was expected to open in summer 2006, will be called “Alea” after an ancient Roma game of chance and is being built on the banks of the River Clyde.

The cause of the delay is the decision of the casino authorities to start hiring staff. They are looking for experienced or trainee blackjack and poker dealers, roulette wheel operators and cashiers. There are 250 positions available including croupiers, waitresses and cleaning and maintenance personnel.

“When the casino opens it will be one of Scotland's top entertainment venues and we are sure it will become one of Glasgow's most celebrated landmarks,” a spokesman for the casino said. “Our hope is the majority of our staff will be local and we will be most disappointed if that is not the case.”

The Alea Casino will be part of the Quay leisure development, which already houses an Odeon cinema, food stores and a 165-room hotel owned by hotel operator Etap.