Multibillion-rand Menlyn casino set to open in April

The R4 billion Time Square Casino and Hotel development in Menlyn Maine in the city of Tshwane is fully on track with the casino due to open in April.

It will be Africa’s second largest casino, after the GrandWest Casino in Cape Town.

The Time Square Casino will have 2 000 slot machines and 60 gambling tables.

It represents the biggest development in the hospitality, gaming and leisure industry since the construction of GrandWest Casino in 2000.

This development will be followed by the construction of an 8 000-seat arena, the only one of its kind in Pretoria, in September and a hotel complex in March next year.

Time Square will be the most technologically advanced casino in South Africa.

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The installation of gaming equipment has already started, with the first machines placed on the floor on January 20 this year.

Sun International group general manager of brand and communications Michael Farr said: “The complex is now taking shape, with its distinguishing roof now part of the Menlyn skyline.

“About 10 000 direct and indirect jobs will have been created during the construction and the initial fit-out and start-up phase.

“The development will also generate considerable revenue for both the provincial and national government by way of taxes and gaming levies.

“It’s anticipated that about R1.7 billion in gaming taxes and VAT will be generated in the first five years of operation at Menlyn Maine. The total estimated revenue to government from the project over a five-year period is estimated at about R2.7 billion.”

Farr added that Time Square represents a new concept in hospitality in that it will offer a range of hotel accommodation in a single building. There will be 96 rooms of three-star accommodation, 94 rooms of four-star accommodation and 48 rooms and suites of five-star accommodation.

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