£30m ‘supercasino’ launches at Victoria Gate
The £30m Victoria Gate casino, heralded as the third largest in the UK, has launched tonight.
Operator Global Gaming Ventures said the opening “realised the dream” that was 15 years in the making in some parts, thanking developers Hammerson for their support at the event.
Celebrities and sports stars walked the gold carpet for the exclusive event, with Emmerdale and Coronation Street actors making an appearance along with players from Leeds Rhinos.
Andrew Herd, chief executive of Global Gaming Ventures, the operator of Victoria Gate Casino, said: “The vision for Victoria Gate Casino has been years in the making but it has been worth the wait to see everyone here celebrating with us tonight.
“Victoria Gate Casino is a stylish, buzzing entertainment hub in the heart of Leeds city centre where everyone from first-time visitors and passers-by to top poker players are catered for.
“It’s a pivotal moment for Leeds to have an entertainment venue on such a grand scale and we’re thrilled to be contributing to the city’s already thriving leisure offering.”
1,200 VIPs attended the opening, which included the official ribbon cutting and first spin of the roulette wheel.
It offers three venues: its Live Bar in partnership with Coors; Curve, the Moët & Chandon-partnered cocktail, champagne and craft beer bar, and V Restaurant, a brasserie-style setting.
Mr Herd added: “The casino has already had a positive impact on the region, creating more than 200 jobs – 90 per cent of which have been sourced from within the Leeds City Region.
“We were overwhelmed with responses, receiving more than 5,000 job applications, and it speaks volumes for how keen people are to be a part of such an exciting project.
“We have also worked hard to employ those not in education, training or employment, and help get them back on the career ladder again.”
Councillor James Lewis, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to help secure so many jobs for people in the Leeds area by working closely with GGV during the casino’s development.
“We have also helped them put in place policies to identify and tackle potential problem gambling and they are taking their responsibilities seriously.
“Victoria Gate is already proving itself to be a great success, attracting many visitors from a wide area and its new casino should prove a further boost to the local economy.”
Robin Dobson, Director of Retail Development at Hammerson, commented: “The launch of Victoria Gate Casino marks another exciting part of Victoria Gate’s debut.
“At its opening in October 2016, the scheme transformed Leeds’ retail offer and today the casino’s arrival provides the city with a unique and vibrant entertainment experience.”
