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Operator demands a new analysis of the five applications in an ‘objective, transparent and non-discriminatory manner’
With less than four months until the current concession for the Brussels casino expires, Viage is urging the city to decide on the establishment’s future.
The operator, whose contract ends on December 31, is demanding a new evaluation of the five bids submitted for the future concession, following the suspension of its award to Napoleon Games by the Council of State.
In a letter sent to the city and government of Brussels, Viage has outlined that a simple extension of its current contract would not address the criticisms raised by the Council of State regarding the evaluation of applications. “It is legally questionable, represents a high financial cost, and would offer no prospects for our staff,” said Pierre Stuyck, CEO of the Viage casino, as reported by Journal des Casinos.
The operator also rejected the possibility of a new procedure, which it considers impossible to complete before January 1. It asks the city to withdraw its decision of July 17 and to conduct a new analysis of the five applications, ‘in an objective, transparent and non-discriminatory manner.’
The timeline is also tightening on the real estate front. NGBA, a company linked to AG Real Estate and holder of the rights to the 14,000 m² occupied by the casino within the Anspach shopping center, has asked Viage to initiate the process for the return of the premises. Furthermore, contracts with suppliers must be confirmed or terminated before the end of September.
A potential takeover on January 1 would still require the transfer of real estate rights and associated contracts, the acquisition of certain assets and data, as well as obtaining the necessary licenses. “Every week without a decision makes the January 1 target less and less realistic for any candidate,” warns Pierre Stuyck.
The uncertainty directly affects the casino’s 286 employees. Viage warns that if a new operator is not appointed quickly, collective redundancy proceedings will be initiated. The operator estimates the financial consequences of a business interruption for the company, its employees, and its partners at approximately €15m.
On September 15, around 50 employees demonstrated in front of Brucity, the administrative centre of the City of Brussels, at the call of the Synova and FGTB unions. They demanded greater clarity on the future of the casino after December 31 and on the preservation of the 286 jobs. A delegation was subsequently received by the office of Mayor Philippe Close.
The unions are also calling for a new evaluation of the bids. The Setca union believes that keeping Napoleon Games in the running, without a re-evaluation or the launch of a new bidding process, would pose ‘a major risk to the 286 casino workers.’
Viage finally concludes that an interruption of operations would cause the public authorities to lose several million euros per month, between royalties and property income collected by the City, as well as tax revenue accruing to the Brussels region.
