Joining the ranks of several other Las Vegas companies interested in building in Britain, Ameristar Casinos Inc. has revealed its plans to construct a casino resort costing a reported $445 million. The news plans by Ameristar are to be included in the effort to revitalize and redevelop Southampton, England.

Ameristar wants to be among the other contenders who are gunning to open casinos with Vegas-style slot machines by the year 2006. The proposed resort is subject to the adoption of such regulations. Recently, the British government has held negotiations regarding the allowance of only 8 major resorts as well as other smaller local casinos.

Like all the other proposed new resorts in Britain, this project will showcase dining and entertainment settings. Amerisatrs plan also includes a 200-room luxury hotel, indoor swimming pool and spa, conference and or convention space as well as other services. The proposed resort would be built on a long vacant area of Southhampton's center. Sister company Bravo Network Ltd. would develop an 8,000-seat indoor arena with an Olympic size ice rink and an additional rink for rental ice skating.

Plans for the casino reveal the casino would be approximately 65,000 square feet. The plans also show development of around 1,250 slot machines with the potential for more and about 80 table games. It is also noted that the plans show the hotel to overlook the water of Southampton's West Quay.  

Ameristar Casinos Inc. says the project will bring some 1,200 jobs to the Southampton area.