A boom in casinos means there could soon be more than 200 in Britain, but none of the new ones will come to Southend.

The figures - uncovered by a national newspaper and Channel Four's Dispatches programme - would mean the number of casinos has doubled since Labour came to power in 1997 That means floorspace equivalent to ten supercasinos has been approved since 2005.

Despite the boom, Southend will not see any new casinos for the foreseeable future after its bid for the first Las Vegas-style supercasino failed to make the shortlist.

Council chief executive Rob Tinlin said the current legislation meant the town could not bid for any more casinos at the present time.

A total of 57 applications for small or large casinos are currently being examined by the Gambling Commission.

They could be given the green light, subject to local planning approval.

Southend Council leader Murray Foster said: "I don't think you can say Southend has lost out because we cannot bid for any other casino licence at the present time.

"We tried the best we could to gain the supercasino licence, but we were unsuccessful.

"Southend currently has some very good casinos which are operated properly and are very successful."

Westcliff Casino director Tim Quinlan said he thought the figure of more than 200 casinos was an exaggeration.

He added: "I don't blame Southend Council for not seeking either a large or small casino licence when the applications were being put in.

"It was made quite plain that if you were seeking a supercasino, it would be unacceptable to try for one of the others.

"As far as Southend is concerned, I think is is a shame the town was unsuccessful with its bid.

"There could have been investment of between £300 and £400million in the town which will not happen now."