ORANJESTAD — The Casablanco Casino in the Westin Hotel at Palm Beach was closed by order of the bailiff Monday afternoon. Dozens of casino employees were sent home until further notice.
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According to reports, the Aruba Investment Bank (AIB) seized the casino due to a considerable outstanding debt. The bank had lent the casino money to purchase gambling machines. However, this loan was never repaid.
The bank went to court because the loan was either not paid or not paid entirely. The judge subsequently told AIB that attachment was justified. The AIB was not available for comment this morning, and the director of the Westin Hotel, Richard Roy could not be reached by telephone either. Director of Operations, Dan Tanner of the Westin could not say anything about the closing down of the casino. "It has to do with the administration, that’s all I can say." He emphasized that a third party manages the casino, not the hotel. It apparently regards the company Belfonti Capital Partners according to morning newspaper Bon Dia. The newspaper further reports that the casino employees, who were sent home yesterday, have a conversation with the Minister of Tourism, Labor & Transport, Otmar Oduber (AVP). During this conversation, the employees will receive explanation on the situation and the steps to be taken in order to solve the problems. The focus lies on re-opening the casino as soon as possible so that the employees could resume their work.
Amigoe further knows that the casino has been up for sale since years. The sale did not go through despite several attempts. The casino operator was not able to pay the rent the past months either. It was not possible to find out from the Labor Department this morning what the situation is with the continued payment of the casino personnel.
Various casinos on Aruba have been experiencing difficulties the past years. New attempts for example by large American investors to breathe new life into La Cabana Casino as well as Key Largo had come to nothing. Key Largo has a new owner since recently, who has plans for this casino. The casino in the nearby Radisson Hotel is also experiencing operating problems.
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