Newspapers in South Africa are reporting that the Boardwalk Casino in the Port Elizabeth area looks set to retain its licence due for renewal in October 2010. Rival bidder Embo has been refused permission by the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (ECGBB) to change the site of its proposed casino. A decision by the Board on the new licence is expected to be made next month on 3 August.

Emfuleni Resorts with Sun International and Embo Project Management Group are both bidding for the 15-year licence. The Embo proposal for an ambitious waterfront development includes a Hilton hotel, a Mantis Hotel and luxury apartments, an international convention centre, gym, spa, restaurants and mall. The Emfuleni proposal for its Boardwalk site is for a new 5-star hotel, international convention centre, and the world’s longest water tunnel.

As any waterfront development would entail a massive operation to clear contaminated soil from the Transnet site, Embo wants to put a temporary casino in the Radisson Hotel, a plan that has met with local opposition amid concerns over road access and lack of infrastructure. The Embo bid so far contains no firm agreement for the land to be used for its casino complex. (E-07.22.09)

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