The long awaited opening of the new Casino in Benidorm took place yesterday morning, with the official inauguration and cutting of the ribbon undertaken by the Mayor Agustin Navarro later in the evening. The pace of construction has been remarkable – the crane only went up on Christmas Eve and work began in January. Many doubted that it would be completed in time for the promised July opening – but it made the deadline just in time!
Full House for the opening of the Benidorm casino
All the important movers and shakers in Benidorm plus the surrounding areas were invited to the opening: Business owners, Councilors – both local and regional, Director General of Tourism and many hoteliers, plus of course the local press to record the historic occasion. Jesus Alamo, President of the Casino Mediterraneo Group took to the podium first and gave a short but rousing speech.
The Mayor, Agustin Navarro was the last and said in his speech, it truly is an important moment for the town, which welcomes all investment, particularly private to maintain growth and so enabling the resort to continue to thrive economically. The casino has employed 70 local people and will create a further 80 jobs once the second phase is complete. The long term plan is to build a hotel on top of the site.
Gaming area all on ground floor of new Benidorm casino
The casino was already packed with customers even before the invited guests descended after the ribbon cutting. The Mayor rolled the ball on a roulette table, to much applause from the spectators and flashing of camera and mobile phones to record the event. The 3600 square metre construction is spread across 3 floors, with the main gaming room all on the ground level – so totally wheelchair accessible.
There are plenty of flashing slot machines in addition to the usual gaming tables such as roulette, black jack and poker seen in a casino, plus a specific area for live sports betting – with lots of television screens throughout the casino to relay live sporting events. Perhaps I should suggest that they make an occasion of Royal Ascot next June – in particular Ladies Day. We could all dress up and sip champagne... it´s not like us girls need that much of an excuse!
The first floor is a huge open area with bar facility and divided into two zones. Part will be used for private Texas Hold´Em tournaments, with tables already set up and the other half will be the "Casino Art" area, to be used for exhibitions and concerts – with a capacity to accommodate up to 400 people. The second floor will have an exclusive restaurant with outside terrace – which should be open by late September.
Casino is on Avd Mediterraneo
The casino is located on the Avd Mediterraneo, towards the Rincon de Loix end – where the indoor market can be found. It will be open 7 days per week – Friday, Saturday and Bank Holidays from 10am until 5am during the busy Summer period, then until 4am the rest of the year and Sunday to Thursday until 3am.
There is a strict NO under 18´s rule – a universal policy across casino´s and gambling establishments worldwide. Original photo ID is required – preferably a passport, but a pink photo driving license will also be accepted and there is a 3 euro entrance fee to enter. Gentlemen, no shorts or swimwear is allowed – three quarter or full length trousers or jeans must be worn.
There is also an underground car park directly underneath the casino, with sufficient spaces for 350 cars. Good luck to all those that visit - may lady luck be on your side!