License completes the legal requirements for the opening of Grand Casino Brussels in December.
Brussels/Vienna – Casinos Austria International today announced that it has been granted a license to conduct gaming activities in Belgium by the Belgian Gaming Commission. The awarding of this licence completes the legal requirements for the opening of the first casino in Brussels following the award of the concession by Brussels City Council to Casinos Austria International back in 2004.
Grand Casino Brussels will open its doors in December 2005, with an official Gala Opening Ceremony planned for January 2006. The casino will initially be located in the Salle de la Madeleine in Brussels city center. Future plans include a relocation to the new Anspach Center when planning and construction work is completed at this site, probably in 2009.
A varied concept for a unique location
Casinos Austria International and BOA, the Brussels-based project architects, have developed a totally unique casino concept for the Belgian capital, with a look and feel destined to set Grand Casino Brussels apart from other casinos in the country and the rest of Europe.
The entire ground floor will be dedicated to table gaming and slot machines and will also feature various catering zones and bars. The luxurious gallery on the first floor offers VIP gaming and lounge-style relaxation and dining in a club-like setting, while the ballroom on the top floor will serve as the venue for all manner of events.
At opening, Grand Casino Brussels will offer a choice of 21 gaming tables, 226 slot machines, several restaurants, bars and eateries, as well as a multi-purpose ballroom. The casino aims to become the place to go in Brussels for fun and entertainment.
The new casino and entertainment complex will be a valuable asset for the Brussels economy, creating over 260 new jobs and helping to revitalise the city centre by attracting new international visitors, hosting prestigious events and participating fully in the life of this exciting capital city.
Casinos Austria International in Brussels
As leading players in the international casino industry, Casinos Austria International and its parent company, Casinos Austria AG, currently operate 72 casinos in 16 countries and on board several luxury international cruise liners. In 2004, the two companies together posted revenues (wins, registered tips, entrance) of EUR 996 million, welcomed a total of 17.3 million guests and employed around 9.200 staff. Casinos Austrias revenues from the casino sector are expected to exceed EUR 1 billion in 2005.
Casinos Austria enjoys international renown throughout the casino and gaming industry and is looking forward to sharing its wealth of experience with the city and region of Brussels by opening this new and exciting casino in a historical and prestigious European setting.