Casino to close doors next year

ONE of the region’s largest casinos is to close early next year, threatening more than 200 jobs.

Genting UK’s casino at Star City in Birmingham is expected to shut up shop in January after the firm launched a consultation with staff while between 50 and 60 support roles will be switched from the North West to Birmingham. The casino opened in 2003 but has reduced in size and entertainment over recent years.

Around 220 staff work there and they were informed of the proposal to close last week.

Genting UK opened a sister site at the Resorts World complex next to the NEC just over a year ago and it is likely the company is keen to focus on this brand new casino.

It also has a ten-year naming rights deal for concert venue the NEC Arena, now called the Genting Arena.

A statement from Genting UK said: “Earlier this week, we began consultations to relocate support staff from offices in Liverpool to Birmingham where we already have a large support function.

“We are also considering the future of our Star City casino in Birmingham. We have begun consultations with our staff and will make a decision in the near future.

“Our staff remain a priority and there are many opportunities for them in our facilities across the region and our estate nationally.”