Genesis clears path for casino relocation to Pretoria

Genesis was retained by Sun International to provide expert advice on the relocation of Sun International’s casino licence to Menlyn Maine, which is located in Pretoria’s eastern suburbs.

The move was opposed by non-casino gambling businesses in Pretoria, as well as by a Johannesburg-based casino group. Genesis has considerable experience in the casino market, having advised Sun International on a number of mergers and licensing processes before various regulators and government departments.

The unusual and complex nature of casino market dynamics had generated hotly-contested debates over the potential impacts of the new Menlyn Maine casino. The project team’s ability to articulate clear, evidence-based arguments capable of withstanding the stresses of litigation was instrumental in the Gauteng Gambling Board making the decision to grant the licence relocation.

Key to this outcome was the fact that the independent economists commissioned by the Gauteng Gambling Board to assess the arguments made by all of the interested parties largely agreed with the team’s analysis.

The contribution made by Genesis in this matter unlocked considerable value by ensuring that Sun International’s estimated R3-billion investment in Menlyn Maine could be realised as planned, following regulatory approval.

The new casino, which opened under the name of Time Square in April 2017, dwarfs the Morula casino it has replaced. It has created higher employment levels in the casino itself, as well as in the casino-related hospitality and entertainment industries in Gauteng, and generates significantly more gaming tax revenue for the Gauteng provincial government than the Morula casino did.