ROULETTE wheels, poker tables and croupiers could join ranks with bookmakers at Worcester's Pitchcroft racecourse.

The racecourse operator, Arena Leisure, has announced that it is looking into introducing a casino to the racecourse to exploit gambling liberalisation.

Changes to gambling are expected to become law in 2003/4.

"We have detailed research into the opportunities that this framework would present our racecourse operations," Arena Leisure said in its earnings statement yesterday.

"This will put us in the best possible position to take advantage of the proposed changes when they're expected to become law."

If the firm goes ahead with casino plans, it could mean millions of pounds changing hands and extra jobs in the city.

The racecourse is already used for many other events beyond racing, including wedding fairs and fun fairs.

This week, it has been used by the Chinese State Circus.

"If there are any plans, we'd welcome them," said Worcester city councillor Derek Prodger. "But whether we would support them is another matter. It's quite a surprise."

The earnings statement revealed that Arena Leisure had chalked up a pre-tax loss of £6.2m last year, but the racecourses business ran at a profit over the second half of the tax year.

"We now have a great platform on which to build all elements of our business," said managing director Ian Penrose.

"This was a year of significant achievement. We consolidated our position as a major player in the racing and gaming industries.

"We have moved forward strongly on all fronts and look forward to delivering upon the firm foundations now in place."

The firm's management team has been strengthened and lucrative sponsorship deals have been secured.