IT HAS been hailed as both a huge economic boost for Southampton and something that could have a “harmful” impact on hundreds of residents.

This week the Daily Echo revealed that gambling giant Aspers will bid to run the city’s super-casino, which could be part of the £330m Royal Pier development.

Although it is still early days for the proposals, it has been seen as a big step forward now that Aspers has formally thrown its hat into the ring.

Plans to build a super-casino have been around since 2009, and with the city council yet to formally start the competition to run the casino, it will still be years until it could open.

But it is seen as a key part of the whole Royal Pier project, and the news that at least one firm will bid to run it has brought the prospect of the super-casino a big step closer to reality.

The news has split opinion among business and community leaders in Southampton and Hampshire.

And now the Daily Echo has asked one person from each side of the argument to put the case for or against a super-casino

Here are the two sides of the argument.

To read the YES VIEW click here

To read the NO VIEW click here