New casino set to create 100 jobs in Wolverhampton
AROUND 100 new jobs are being created in Wolverhampton with the opening in the city of a new casino.
The £4m project will see The Rubicon Casino in Temple Street expand into the empty neighbouring building, formerly The Dorchester/Beach nightclub, to become Casino 36.
The new venue is expected to open next year, with local unemployed people being targeted over the coming months for roles in the business.
City of Wolverhampton Council and Job Centre Plus are helping source croupiers, hospitality staff, bar staff, waiting staff and cleaners.
An initial 15 trainee croupiers have recently been taken on and are currently undergoing training with The National Gaming Academy.
Trainees will learn specialist skills through completion of a six-week course to gain an NVQ L2 Gambling Operations Diploma.
Cllr Peter Bilson, cabinet member for City Assets, said: “This project brings a significant number of jobs to Wolverhampton.
“It will kick-start regeneration on Southside and will prove a real asset to this area of city.”
Craig Dobson, Casino 36 Group Manager said: “Regeneration in Wolverhampton is steaming ahead and we are delighted to be playing a part in helping rejuvenate the city centre.
“We are now at the stage in our project to start recruiting for the 100 jobs the small casino brings, and being able to draw on the council’s experience in this area to help fill these positions is extremely helpful.”
City of Wolverhampton is currently one of only three local authorities to have made significant progress in delivering a small casino.
Casino 36 was granted the new licence in June 2014 and works are under way to create the casino, restaurant and bar.
Under the terms of the licence Casino 36 will contribute £36,000 towards counselling programmes for problem gamblers and their families, and community initiatives.
Cllr Bilson added: “It is clear to see from examples in the rest of England that it is no simple task to deliver viable casino projects.
“We have worked closely with the owners to get to this point and it is rewarding to see these efforts bearing fruit for the people of Wolverhampton.
“There will always be concerns about bringing in or extending a gambling institution in the city, however, the conditions under which the licence is awarded ensures the owners will act responsibly.”
