Desperate action by the Namur casino, which is trying to open 24 hours a day

The financial situation of the casino in Namur, Belgium, is quite critical. In order to address its difficulties, the general manager of the establishment, which belongs to the Circus Group, has decided to open its doors at 10 am every day of the week. While some gaming circles were already open non-stop in Belgium for a limited period of time, it can be said that Karim Tekaya's action is a first in this matter.

Relaunch the activity at all costs

Due to its serious financial problems, the casino in Namur will now open every day of the week from 10 am - except for the automated gaming rooms which will be accessible from 6 am by customers. The general manager of the establishment, affiliated with the Circus Group, Mr. Karim Tekaya, made this monumental decision in hopes of seeing a recovery in activity. It should be noted that in Europe, only the casinos in London and Monte Carlo had attempted a similar experiment. But administrator Emmanuel Mewissen believes that such a step "is unprecedented in the industry and a gamble." could be repeated almost everywhere in Belgium this year "Like everywhere else, the flat country has been hit hard by the recession, and all casinos are in the red, due to excessive taxation and the anti-smoking law that has driven away customers."

The decision to open the establishment's doors longer and earlier is a desperate gesture to see the Namur casino regain its former glory. The park of 220 slot machines will now be accessible from 6 am, which should please early morning players, but not necessarily the company's employees, who are aware that they will have to make sacrifices. For us, the goal is to revive the activity. We have to compete with online games. And for that, everyone must put a little bit of their own into it ", warned General Director Karim Tekaya. It must be said that table games are in total decline in Belgium, whereas roulette and blackjack represented 50% of casino revenues in 2012. However, the democratization of slot machines - which are now offered at lower stakes - allows casino operators to "limit the damage" for the time being."

No administrative or organizational change

This new measure will help limit the damage and perhaps revitalize table game activities. Furthermore, this system will have no impact on the administrative or organizational level. Starting from September 27th, a "White Night" will inaugurate this new format, advocating for a constant opening of the doors of the casino in Namur. The new measure will save a total of three additional positions, while the company currently employs 140 employees. The casino in Namur will also celebrate its one hundredth anniversary at the end of the year. " We believe in reviving the economy even if times are tough. We will do everything to get there ", promised Karim Tekaya."