Grand Casino Dunedin to celebrate 25 years of entertainment

‘‘It remains our mission to delight guests and create opportunities for our team and local communities,’’ Grand Casino chief executive Dominique Dowding says.

A 25-year license was granted to the then Dunedin Casino in February 1999, with the establishment subsequently opening in the Southern Cross Hotel in the city’s historic Exchange.

The stunning heritage-listed building had been designed in 1883 by Italian architect Louis Boldini, who had been resident in Dunedin for some years. New Zealand’s largest and most lavish hotel, ‘The Grand’ later became the inspiration when Dunedin Casino was rebranded as the Grand Casino in 2021.

After the challenging times of the pandemic, the change came in conjunction with a state-of-the-art refurbishment of the Grand Bar and Restaurant.

It was the right time to to refine the brand and refresh the interiors to prepare the Casino for its next phase, and its ambition to be a major part of Dunedin’s social and economic fabric.

Through the rebrand and refurbishment, the Grand Casino Dunedin embraced the building’s grandeur and opulence to better connect with the market while also celebrating its heritage.

The playful edge of the Gainsborough Room floor remains, with first-class gaming primed with the polished-look of the Casino’s newly-uniformed croupiers. And now featuring a moodier, warmer ambience, the distinctive Grand Bar and Restaurant ensures a high-quality guest experience.

As well as their extremely loyal clientele, integral to the ongoing success of the Grand Casino is its amazing team of just over 100 staff. Including six members who have been there since day one, they are a testament to the culture and opportunities that have been nurtured by the organisation.

At the core are values that have remained intact since 1999: to act with integrity, to innovate and create, and to always show compassion. The values are evident through the Casino’s social responsibility efforts, including advocating responsible play, valuing their team members, utilising sustainable business practices, sharing their cultural heritage, and caring for the community.

The Grand Casino Dunedin is proudly local. Through business donations and The Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust they are a prolific donator to community-based charities that make a difference socially, environmentally, and economically.

‘‘Over the 25 years of operation, the figure distributed Otago-wide exceeds $4 million,’’ Dowding says. ‘‘We are proud to partner with a number of charities, sports teams, and businesses to make Dunedin even better than it already is.’’

Community involvement and host responsibility remain fundamental as the Grand Casino celebrates its first quarter of a century, and awaits confirmation of the renewal of their license.

This weekend they will celebrating the 25th anniversary by hosting the board, shareholders, management, and VIP guests for celebratory dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There will be a total of $25,000 in cash to be won over these nights, in addition to activities, promotions, and events throughout October - including a major holiday to Las vegas that is to be won over Labour Weekend.

‘‘It is an exciting time for the Casino and we can’t wait to celebrate the occasion with you,’’ Dowding says.