Vol. 10 No. 12, December 2011, DATELINE EUROPE
Size Matters
First U.K. large casino opens this month
The first of the large casinos authorized under the U.K. Gambling Act 2005 is getting ready to open its doors.
Aspers was granted the Newham large casino license in March 2011. The company had hoped to have the casino ready by September for the opening of the Westfield Stratford City retail center in the 2012 Olympics development. Instead, the casino will see an early December opening.
At 65,000 square feet, with 40 gaming tables and 150 slots, Aspers Westfield Stratford City will be the biggest casino to date in the U.K. Included are a dedicated 150-seat poker room, 60-seat sports book and 80-seat bingo lounge.
The casino will have two bars and a casual 80-seat restaurant. Entertainment will feature music and comedy. The venue is expected to attract 2,500 visitors a day.
In its bid for the license, Aspers promised to employ at least 300 people. The casino has already hired 420.

