The new £10 million (US$20 million) Aspers Casino in Northampton opened yesterday in premises on two levels in the town centre, with the potential to expand to a third floor if well supported by the local community in the current financial climate. There are already three casinos in this English town.

General manager Mark Darnell said that this new development by an ambitious young company is different from other venues due to its high specification and design: "The fit out, design and ambience is more upmarket and brand new. I think a mix of people will come; we are trying to cater for all. Traditionally it is a male dominated industry but we find ladies come to gamble but also for the live music. We plug it as a world of entertainment not just a casino."

However, the property is a casino through and through, with the 20 slot machines with a £4,000 maximum allowed by current legislation. The latest Aspers Casino also has 40 state-of-the-art electronic roulettes linked to the live tables via cameras; 16 live gaming tables for roulette, blackjack, three card poker and two way Hold'em poker, and a 60-seat poker room with potential to expand it to 100.

The entertainment is provided in a crisp, white bar, lined floor to ceiling with multi-coloured bottles serving alcohol from noon until 4am or 5am, which boasts a corner in the bar seating area where there is a small stage for tribute bands, surrounded by lush curtains, and almost seemingly tucked out the way. The menu at the restaurant is simple but varied with seafood platters, tandoori chicken, sirloin steak, smoked salmon sandwiches and full English breakfast, all at reasonable prices.

Darnell added: "It is a nice place to come and have a night out. Some people come and they never gamble. We also want to establish links with the community. We will be holding charity nights and have made links with the council. We want to encourage business groups and women's and men's groups to meet here." (E-06.27.08)

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