Hamilton casino rolls out the red carpet

By ELIZABETH BINNING

The rugby stars were there; the big names of the racing industry - anyone, really, with impeccable Waikato credentials.

After six years of court battles and consent hearings, Sky Riverside Casino had something to celebrate last night when it finally opened its doors in Hamilton.

Invited guests, dressed in black tie, shimmering gowns and sparkling jewellery, arrived in limousines.

After sipping cocktails in a specially created VIP lounge, the guests, including horse-breeder Sir Patrick Hogan and jockey Lance O'Sullivan, rugby stars Deon Muir, Bruce Reihana and Marty Holah and Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, took part in a powhiri on the banks of the Waikato River.

They then made their way inside the $74 million Riverside Entertainment Complex, where casino staff in freshly pressed uniforms waited alongside 300 brightly lit poker Machines, 20 card tables and a new silver Mercedes SLK 230 on offer to some lucky punter.

While many guests tried their hand at the pokies, others made their way to the Number Eight Bar to admire views of the river and enjoy a drink.

A small group of pro-casino activists gathered outside, saying they had every right to decide how they spent their cash.

Their protest was a message for Hamilton's anti-casino lobby, who yesterday afternoon protested against the opening.

the Anglican Bishop of Waikato, David Moxon, said it was a dark day for the city.

"Most of us are dressed in black because it's what we wear to funerals."

Mr Moxon said the poker machines would be too much temptation for some people.

Other protesters were concerned that the dining and entertainment facilities would signal the end for many of the smaller businesses who operated along the main road.

City councillor Dave Macpherson said the casino, which Hamiltonians opposed two to one, was a "blot on the city's social and economic landscape".

Mr Macpherson said the city would be ripped off by the casino, which expected to make $27 million in its first year.

"Out of that $27 million profit they are only going to give $300,000 back to the community."

But the local tourism industry is delighted with the region's new asset.

Tourism Waikato chief executive Lynda Keen said the casino had been eagerly awaited and would boost tourism.

"We are delighted to see the casino and entertainment centre reach completion and are confident of the contribution it will make to Hamilton's positioning as a new and emerging tourist destination."

The casino has hired 180 Waikato residents among its 220 staff.

A further 180 jobs will be created when the restaurants and Tenpin bowling alley open this year as part of the Riverside Entertainment Complex.

Last night's opening was not without a hitch, after a mix-up left the casino without a liquor licence.

It had failed to correctly advertise its application.

The Hamilton City Council granted a special licence to cover the casino for events over the next fortnight.