Gambling on success – council recruits staff for new casino
A NEW casino which has helped to create 100 jobs in Wolverhampton opens its doors for the first time tomorrow (Saturday).
The £7.6m casino has seen The Rubicon Casino in Temple Street expand into the empty neighbouring building, formerly The Dorchester/Beach nightclub, to become Casino 36.
Local unemployed people have been recruited for roles at the venue, with City of Wolverhampton Council and Job Centre Plus helping source croupiers, hospitality staff, bar staff, waiting staff and cleaners.
An initial 15 trainee croupiers have been taken on, after undergoing training with The National Gaming Academy.
Cllr John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, 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.”
Casino 36 owner, Adrian Ballard, said the company was pleased to be playing a part in the city’s ongoing regeneration.
He added that being able to draw on the council’s experience in recruitment had been extremely helpful in helping the casino to get established.
In May 2008 Parliament gave eight councils across the country the right to grant a premises licence for a ‘small casino’ under the Gambling Act 2005.
Wolverhampton is currently one of only three of those local authorities to have made significant progress in delivering a casino.
Casino 36 was granted the new licence in June 2014 following recommendations from the city council’s evaluation panel to the licensing committee.
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 Reynolds 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 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.”
