INTERNATIONAL gaming and leisure giant, Ladbroke, has been forced to pay R1m compensation to Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa partner, the Overberg Community Trust, following last year's debacle when the British casino and hotel operators controversially pulled out of a deal to develop the hotel after gaining the lucrative casino licence. Ladbroke instead bought the Rio Stakis hotel chain causing a storm in the tiny, impoverished country town some 100km from Cape Town which had been expecting jobs and riches galore as a result of the development. Local residents had demonstrated in tears outside the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board after Ladbroke changed its mind, claiming jobs and opportunities were lost. The US-backed Century Casinos' managing director, James Forbes, Fortes King Hotels new partner in the venture and which will operate and manage the casino side of the Caledon Casino project, said the matter of compensation was settled amicably and the Trust was pleased with the amount. "We are now looking forward to opening in October," he said. "Croupiers are being trained and the roof-wetting is scheduled for Friday this week." (Simon Farrell)
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