The celebrity list for the opening of the new Aspers Casino in Swansea may have proved a touch disappointing – Elton John failed to pop in – but the casino already has over 7,000 members. It appears that South Wales has a new venue for a great night out that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Around 1,000 celebrities attended the Thursday night gala and Aspers expects to attract 10,000 people per week into its latest casino operation.

Aspers intends to use local suppliers for its business wherever possible. The architects Bates Smart are an Australian firm but it was mainly Welsh companies that provided the knowledge and expertise in the construction and fit-out of the new entertainment complex. Aspers has so far invested over £10 million in utilising local companies to complete the Swansea project. It also employs around 300 people.

Of course the opening of the new Swansea venue has brought the expected criticism about the possible increase in problem gambling. One local Councillor has pointed out that Aspers is not the only casino in Swansea, and that the modern casino is an entertainment venue as well as a gambling venue. Aspers claims to have staff well-trained in recognising problem gambling when it occurs and will take appropriate action.

Damian Aspinall, chief executive of the Aspers casino chain, has reportedly said that the company supports the strict regulatory regime that has made the UK a centre for the responsible operation of casinos. He commented that Aspers will take advantage of the Gambling Act and become the first operator to advertise on television. Aspers in Swansea is being publicised in an advertising campaign on ITV Wales.

If Swansea finally gets the new casino licence it was awarded by the Casino Advisory Panel, Aspers intends to apply to incorporate it into the new venue at Salubrious Place. The company prides itself on working with local communities to bring an urban casino concept, rather than having a veneer of Las Vegas glitz. Aspers is a joint venture between the Aspinall Group and the Packer Organisation. The company opened Aspers at The Gate in Newcastle in October 2005. (E-09.10.07)

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