Next month a state-of-the-art casino is due to open in Newcastle in KwaZulu Natal. Century Casino, which has been operating on a temporary basis for six years, has already brought benefits to the local community in terms of employment and tourism. The R100 million (US$13.7 million) casino complex has a 4-star 40-room hotel, conference centre, wellness centre and restaurants. The casino has roulette, blackjack and poker tables plus 250 slot machines. The complex will officially open on 2 December.

In the neighbouring province of Eastern Cape, Peermont Global has won its bid for a casino license to operate in Mthatha. The company will invest some R215 million (US$29.4 million) in the project, which is similar in size to the Newcastle development. It will also build a 40-room hotel and a casino with 14 table games and 220 slot machines. Peermont will have a 70% stake in the Royal Palm Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort, the remaining percentage being held by local black investors.

Peermont Global, which once expressed an interest in a Singapore casino operating licence and was shortlisted in April before declining to make a bid, decided to concentrate its efforts on further expansion in Southern Africa. The company has operations in South Africa and Botswana. In August it acquired controlling interest in the Tusk Casino Resorts and Hotels Group.

The Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board invited applications for two available casino licences in February 2006. Five bids were made by the closing date in June, three for the smaller Queenstown licence and two for Mthatha. Casinos in both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal now have to contend with competition from Route Operator Licences that allow slot machines at bars, racecourses and hotels.
(E-11.07.06)

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