Operator News
Belize – Grand Belize Casino secures licence and location
By Phil - 1 April 2014
The Grand Belize Entertainment Group has been granted a gaming license and secured the location to operate the former Golden Princess Casino in Santa Elena, Belize in the Caribbean.
Grand Belize Casino Hotel plans to operate approximately 500 slot machines, 20 table games, a brand new 50-room hotel, over 20,000 square feet of events space, and multiple first class food & beverage offerings.
The location where the Grand Belize Casino Hotel is sited sees over 1m visitors per year and is known for its popular duty-free shopping. The casino will be the first thing that visitors to the island will see if they travel over the water from Mexico.
Michael Glauser, Chief Operating Officer of The Grand Belize Entertainment Group, said: “We are excited to step in and operate in this location. Although there are still plans for a larger casino resort, opening in this current location allows the Grand Belize brand to place a foothold in the market. We look forward to making a positive impact on the local community, as well as Belize as a whole.”
The Casino Hotel will be co-branded with The Grand Belize Interactive division’s Online Casino. Guests will be able to redeem rewards and promotions at Grand Belize Casino Hotel and through Grand Belize’s Online Casino. Mr. Glauser added: “We are excited to be on the forefront of this innovative concept in gaming. As one of only four licensed casinos to Belize, the launch of the online casino will attract gaming aficionados around the globe while promoting our world-class property in Belize, even before it opens.”
According to Mr. Glauser, Peak Gaming Group will support the development, launch, and management of the online casino, which is scheduled to launch worldwide second quarter 2014. Blue Sky Advisory Group has been selected to assist in the development and manage the day-to-day operation of the casino resort and spa.
Initial plans call for the resort casino to encompass nearly 315,000 square feet, with approximately 700 slot machines and 20 to 25 gaming tables. In addition to the casino, there will be private gaming areas as well as mobile gaming applications available throughout the property’s restaurant and lounges. In an effort to provide players an all-encompassing entertainment experience, guests in the online casino as well as in the casino resort will be able to earn and redeem promotional offers in either space.
Designed by industry renowned architectural firm Westar in tandem with International Environments, the resort hotel will encompass up to 200 guest rooms and suites. The architecture and quality of construction will reflect its place as the finest overnight destination in Belize. The resort will include a world-class spa in addition to a pool deck complete with family-friendly water features.
Another key component of the project will be the development of a 40,000 square-foot duty free retail offering that will include upscale retail shops by many of the world’s leading designers.
