The multi-million-dollar Resorts World Bimini Bay casino is progressing well and set to open next March, a resort executive has confirmed. Leslie Bethel, chief operating officer at RAV Bahamas, told Guardian Business that final construction plans are in place. That means development at Bimini Bay Resort & Marina is now pushing forward, although it will be operational a few months later than the original opening date in December. Last week the resort unveiled the renderings of the proposed luxury gaming facility, a joint venture between RAV Bahamas and Genting Malaysia. The agreement was signed in July at the Office of the Prime Minister.
The 10,000-square-foot casino will feature popular table games, slots and sport betting facilities within a modern South Beach décor. Once completed, the casino is expected to create employment and be a significant revenue generator. "The shell of the casino structure is largely completed. The work is being done in various stages so at times we may have between 15 to 50 construction workers with skills in various trades," according to Bethel. "In regards to Bahamian employees, there are Bahamians working on the project but of course the larger amount of job opportunities for the Bahamian community will be created once construction is finished.
We are estimating 150 new jobs directly with the casino. "This new casino is the first step in our plans to develop and showcase Bimini as a world class leisure destination. The benefits to the local economy will be vast as we continue to expand our business with Resorts World Bimini." Guardian Business understands that the original opening date was pushed back to accommodate further expansions, including a restaurant, outdoor terraces, bar and lounge, and "entertainment" programming. Resorts World has spent approximately $1.5 million to date on the gaming facility.
RAV Bahamas' contribution is valued at $12 million total. Upon completion, approximately $30 million will go into the casino destination. Dana Leibovitz, president of Resorts World Bimini Bahamas, believes that the addition of the new casino will positively impact and enhance Bimini's economy. "With interiors showcasing a unique, chic, and modern design, the casino is ideally positioned within the resort, enjoying serene vistas of the turquoise waters and the resort's mega yacht marina," he said.
"We are also already considering additional entertainment amenities for phase two of the casino that will further make Bimini Bay a distinctive destination." Bimini Bay Resort & Marina is an oceanfront community featuring over 480 luxury homes and villas suites, the largest yacht marina complex in the country, four restaurants, two pools, an open-air shopping village, tennis facilities, a children's play center and a beach club. A new high-speed ferry service by Balearia's Bahamas Express is expected to launch sometime next month. Resort World Bimini and Bimini Bay Resort & Marina is also actively working on attracting additional airlift.
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