12 December 2007

By Lesego Madumo

A TRENDY new casino in Mogale City is now open for business.

Silverstar Casino officially opened its casino floor to the public on the evening of Tuesday, 11 December amidst tight security.

The casino promises to provide some first-class entertainment, but will not be accessible to kids for now.

But not just gamblers are winners - there are 700 permanent staff members, the majority of whom are from Mogale. A further 300 positions will be created through concessionaires and contractors.

"Silverstar Casino is an exclusive venue, which is small enough to be intimate yet comprehensive enough to offer a full entertainment experience," says its marketing manager, Venetia Howes.

It is the only casino in Mogale City, and represents the sixth and final gaming licence for Gauteng, Howes notes. "Silverstar Casino is unique in that it is the only non-themed casino in Gauteng. It is an upmarket, contemporary and eclectic destination," she says. Besides gambling, it has a wide range of entertainment on offer.

"Silverstar Casino will provide world-class entertainment to West Rand residents and visitors from other areas of Gauteng."

Mogale City Executive Mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane, believes that the casino will complement Amakhosi Stadium. "It is an important development in our city and will harmoniously complement the stadium," he says, adding that the official opening of "an exciting place like this" will have positive spin-offs for locals.

Andre Botha, Ken Mubu, Morongoa Mogashoa and Tanja Botha from the Gauteng Gaming Board witness the opening of the new casino

Through employing local staff, both during construction and after opening, Silverstar Casino will have already started to add value to the community. "Silverstar Casino will contribute to the West Rand Development Trust on an ongoing basis, and all of these funds will be used to develop sustainable projects that support both the environment and the people of the area," Howes says.

They can expect a smoking casino with roulette and black jack tables, including 242 ultra-modern slot machines, and a star prive, which offers gamblers a private space for roulette, black jack, and baccarat, including state-of-the-art slots.

"Other facilities will follow and we regret that until the grand opening in March 2008, no facilities for kids will be available," Howes explains.

Once finished, Mogale's first casino will have banqueting and conference facilities, five restaurants, a fast-food court, bars, entertainment facilities and a children's games arcade.

Silverstar is on the banks of a lake, and has a musical fountain imported from Europe. "Modelled on the legendary Bellagio Las Vegas fountain, the Silverstar Fountain Spectacular will enthral and entertain."

Restaurants and fast food kiosks will open in March 2008 along a boardwalk, creating a waterfront ambiance. Its hotel and spa, also opening in March 2008, will offer views over the water.

The grand opening in March will comprise of all dining and entertainment facilities for the whole family. They include the Silverstar Centre, with a capacity of 500, STK Restaurant, Ciao Baby, Black Cherry Coffee Shop, Centre Star Buffet, FTV Asian Restaurant and Lounge, Stella's Ice-Cream Parlour and Coffee Bar, Fast Food Court, Magic Company and Twinkle Club Crèche.

The Silverstar Hotel, a 38-room hotel, will include a Solstice Spa.

The casino is in Muldersdrift, just off the R28 Krugersdorp-Pretoria highway. It is close to the Pinehaven intersection and the Cradle of Humankind. "It is located so that it is easy to get to while being surrounded by the splendour of South Africa's natural beauty," Howes says.

It has a full range of gaming facilities, from slots to tables. "All of our equipment is brand-new and our smart-card gaming technology ensures safe, hygienic gambling for every guest."

In addition, the opening of the casino will present new job opportunities for Mogale City residents, she believes. "Silverstar Casino will employ 700 permanent staff members, the majority of whom have been recruited from the community."

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