Business tycoon Richard Branson is considering putting his cash on casinos in his latest bid to expand the Virgin brand, it was confirmed yesterday.

Sir Richard became a member of the British Casino Association last week after the recent launch of Virgin's online casino business - and is now looking at opening actual casinos.

A spokesman confirmed he had received approaches regarding the move, but dismissed a report he may open a chain of venues across Britain, saying he was more likely to open "one or two special sites".

He said: "We have been approached by several companies on the issue but we have not made any decisions.

"We are looking at the possibility of whether or not it is the right thing to do."

It is thought Sir Richard's advisors are attracted by the potential synergies with Virgin's mobile phone business, Megastore arm and a possible bid for a National Lottery licence.

The Observer said the entrepreneur believes his experience flying 300,000 passengers a year from London to Las Vegas has given him a solid understanding of the gambling industry.

Any move would coincide with planned changes to the UK gaming laws, which would see so-called "mega casinos" open across the UK, featuring 1,250 machines offering jackpots of about £1m.