The decision by the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (ECGBB) on the award of the Nelson Mandela Bay casino licence, originally expected on 3 August, has been delayed until September. The Board is apparently still deliberating on the applications because the proposals by Sun International, bidding to keep its Boardwalk licence, and new licence contender Embo Project Management Group are so elaborate.

In July it appeared that Embo was virtually out of the race when the EGCBB turned down its application to move the site of its R1.8 billion (US$224.5 million) casino project. However, the consortium now says that it can have a permanent casino up and running by the time the Boardwalk licence expires in October 2010 and will no longer need a temporary facility at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The plan for a temporary casino had caused disquiet to local residents over traffic implications, and the provincial Treasury feared a loss of revenue.

The ECGBB has now declared that both bidders still have an equal chance of winning the casino licence. Both are offering increased facilities such as convention centre, new hotel and entertainment features. Recently Sun International won an extension to its Wild Coast Casino licence in an uncontested bid. Its bid to keep Emfuleni’s Port Elizabeth licence is proving to be more complicated.
(E-08.10.09)

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