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Bermuda – St Regis finally lands island’s first casino licence

The Bermuda Gaming Commission has awarded the island’s first casino licence to the St Regis hotel in St George.

Hotelco, the company behind the St Regis hotel development, will launch a 5,500 sq. ft. gaming floor with a variety of options for guests looking to roll the dice, in addition to a salon privé with two private tables.

Bermuda’s Premier David Burt highlighted that the decision brings ‘new employment opportunities and a potential increase in hospitality jobs.’

Mr Burt said: “This is good news. The process has been a long and detailed one in which the commission and the hoteliers have worked together to ensure that all aspects of the statutory requirements are met. The hotel’s owners have demonstrated a genuine commitment to Bermuda and to the East End of the Island and we truly value their contribution to the tourism industry and the community.”

He added that the launch of the casino industry is one of the four key initiatives of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan. “With this announcement Bermuda moves a step closer towards realising that goal. This bodes well for additional investment into Bermuda and into tourism in particular.”.

Das Resort liegt in der historischen Stadt St. George's, die zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe gehört, und ist eingebettet in den weichen Sand und das türkisfarbene Wasser von St. Catherine's Beach. Es ist das erste Luxushotel der Marke Marriott International, das auf der Insel debütiert.

„Bermuda dient seit langem als exklusives Reiseziel für die Weltstars und ist damit der ideale Standort für die Eröffnung eines glamourösen neuen St. Regis-Resorts. Ähnlich wie die Insel ist auch St. Regis von einer reichen Geschichte durchdrungen und bietet eine geschichtsträchtige Vergangenheit und eine aufregende Zukunft“, sagte George Fleck, Vizepräsident und Global Brand Leader von St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. „Die Gründerfamilie der Marke St. Regis, die Astors, verbrachte vor mehr als einem Jahrhundert Zeit auf dieser wunderschönen Insel. Jetzt werden die gefeierten Traditionen und Rituale des Hauses Astor diesen visionären Geist, den avantgardistischen Stil und den tadellosen Service zurück nach Bermuda bringen, wo unsere Adresse Ihre Muse ist.“

Das Resort erstreckt sich in einem sanften Bogen über den Strand von St. Catherine und verfügt über 120 elegante Gästezimmer, darunter 21 Suiten, sowie eine äußerst luxuriöse Wohnanlage mit Residenzen mit zwei oder drei Schlafzimmern.

In the third quarter of 2022, Bermuda saw momentum build after two years of a decimated global tourism industry. By the end of August, Bermuda welcomed over 98,000 air visitors to the island.

Vance Campbell, Minister of Tourism, said: “While we are seeing growth, year-over-year, we have not yet achieved the volumes of 2019. The Bermuda Tourism Authority projects Bermuda’s year-end visitor volume to be approximately 56 per cent of 2019.”

The Bermuda gaming Commission said: “Bermuda’s established legislative framework for the licensing and opening of a casino involves a three-stage process. Following an extensive and in-depth suitability review, the Bermuda Gaming Commission has granted Bermuda’s first casino licence to Hotelco Bermuda Holding Ltd o/a St Regis Bermuda Resort. The commission has determined that the applicant has met the legislative suitability requirements for a licence under the Gaming Act and Regulations.”

“These are predominantly operational in nature which will include, but are not limited to, the establishment of the casino’s compliance committee, the finalisation of internal controls to ensure compliance with the statutory framework, the recruitment and training of employees, and the purchase, shipping and installation of gaming equipment and systems.

“The opening date of the casino is entirely dependent on the casino operator meeting all legislative requirements for opening which will be subject to the commission’s review and approval. The commission continues to be ready to effect regulatory and supervisory responsibilities.”

The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is also aiming to have a gaming floor added to its facilities.