Our Lucaya to Get New Casino Operator
Treasure Bay Gaming and Resorts will take over operation of the casino at Our Lucaya Resort on Grand Bahama Island, according to the Nassau Guardian. The present operator, Isle of Capri, had planned to exit the Bahamas last May citing declining revenue, but extended its deadline through August and later through October.
Government officials had been reviewing applications from casino operators in an effort to save the jobs of more than 200 employees at the casino. The new operator plans to keep the existing staff, Bahamas Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace told the Guardian.
Treasure Bay, headquartered in Biloxi, Miss., owns and operates Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel in Biloxi and Divi Carina Bay Casino on St. Croix, the only gaming facility in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also manages the Alhambra Casino in Aruba and the Flamingo Casino in Bonaire.
“For some time we have considered expansion into the Caribbean, and this casino offers the right operational fit with our portfolio,” said Susan Varnes, Treasure Bay COO.
“We will work with the resort operator and the government to strive for increased visitation and revenues, resulting in shared success.”
Isle of Capri has operated Our Lucaya’s casino since 2003. The resort complex includes the Radisson Our Lucaya (formerly a Westin) and the Our Lucaya Reef Village (the former Sheraton Grand).
