Casino bidding opens

FOURTEEN businesses, including local hotels, want to run a casino in Guernsey. The Gambling Control Commission has published a report with proposals on how best to regulate the establishment, which will be sent to potential tenderers.

'About 14 have shown an interest and we will probably get a few really serious contenders, but that is a matter for the Tourist Board,' said commission chairman Peter Morgan. He declined to identify interested parties.

The States appointed the commission last December and asked it to put forward proposals for regulation. The suggestions should ensure that Guernsey gets the best possible establishment, said Mr Morgan. 'That obviously is our aim. We want a high-class and well-regulated casino. If not, we will attract the wrong people.

'We want a well-regulated casino so that the people go in there and feel safe and feel they can have a proper go at the gambling and nobody will pull the wool over their eyes,' he said.

'We also want a casino that has got a good ambience and atmosphere. It has to be the kind of place where you could take your favourite aunt for her birthday.'

The report details the kind of regulation that needs to be in place. Alderney Gambling Control Commission chief executive Andre Wilsenach was approached as a consultant.

'He has worked in casinos in South Africa, where he got his training and experience. He has also travelled quite widely and he knows the gaming scene in London and America

'He knows what regulation should be like.

'This is an amalgamation of the best regulation in whatever area he has got experience in.'

The commission will keep a close eye on what happens in the casino, but the operator will have a great part to play, said Mr Morgan.

'They will have to put up cameras to make sure the gaming tables are supervised. There will have to be people who check the cameras and man the doors.

'We, as the commission, will be overseeing that all that is done properly.'

Staff will also have to be thoroughly checked and found to be 'squeaky-clean' and everything has to be well documented.

The 85-page report was sent to the board, which is reviewing it. Once it has, it will be sent to the 14 interested parties who can then decide if they want to tender.

La Grande Mare managing director Simon Vermeulen said it would definitely put in a tender and he was not worried about the amount of regulation necessary.

'It is a major development for Guernsey. There are casinos everywhere else in the world, but we are right to be cautious. We should not rush these things,' he said.

'We have got a fantastic bid put together ready to go with a world-class operator. They understand us, understand Guernsey and are still very, very keen.

'This is another step in the right direction for the island. It would bring extra entertainment for locals as well as visitors.'

The board hopes to have the tenders in by April or May, with the matter being brought back before the States in the summer.