Type=image;ImageID=11116;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Outside the new Wolverhampton casino;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11117;ImageClass=right;ImageTitle=The bar;TitleClass=strong;
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Type=image;ImageID=11119;ImageClass=right;ImageTitle=Gaming machines;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11120;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Roulette table;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11121;ImageClass=right;ImageTitle=A chef;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=11122;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Gaming machines;TitleClass=strong;
The £7.6 million casino project 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 in the casino, restaurant and bar, 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.
Councillor 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: "Regeneration in Wolverhampton is steaming ahead and we are delighted to be playing a part in helping rejuvenate the city centre.
"Being able to draw on the council's experience in recruitment has been extremely helpful."
In May 2008 Parliament gave 8 councils across the country the right to grant a premises licence for a 'small casino' under the Gambling Act 2005 (The Act).
City of Wolverhampton is currently one of only 3 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 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.
Councillor 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."
- released: Wednesday 9 November, 2016